A recent report by the "Malaz" foundation, which supports women's rights, has highlighted a disturbing increase in child abuse cases in Egypt. The report documented 178 cases of violence against children between July and September 2026, with exploitation and neglect being the most prevalent forms of abuse. This surge in cases has raised concerns over the effectiveness of current protection mechanisms in place to safeguard children.
According to a study by UNICEF, two-thirds of children aged 13-17 in Cairo, Alexandria, and Asyut have experienced physical violence. Furthermore, 78% of children in this age group have been victims of psychological violence. The Egyptian Family Health Survey 2025 also revealed that 82.8% of children aged 1-14 were subjected to violent disciplinary methods, with 27.2% being hit or slapped on the face, head, or ears.
The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood reported receiving over 143,000 calls between January and March 2026, with 6,878 complaints, reports, and requests for assistance. The council also noted that 10,000 children benefited from its services. These statistics underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of child abuse and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
Experts point to a range of factors contributing to the rise in child abuse cases, including poor parenting skills, economic pressures, and social media. Dr. Jamal Fawzi, a professor of psychiatry, noted that some parents may resort to violence due to a lack of awareness about positive parenting techniques or as a result of their own experiences of abuse. He emphasized that addressing child abuse requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond punitive measures.
The Egyptian government has taken steps to address child abuse, including the establishment of a national hotline for reporting child abuse cases. However, experts argue that more needs to be done to prevent child abuse, including raising awareness about positive parenting, providing support services for families, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
Recent cases of child abuse have highlighted the need for swift and effective action to protect children. In one case, a father was arrested and charged with torturing and attempting to kill his child. In another case, a teacher was arrested for assaulting several students. These cases demonstrate the importance of a coordinated response to child abuse, involving law enforcement, social services, and the judiciary.
To combat child abuse, experts recommend developing and implementing effective prevention strategies, providing support services for families and children, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. Dr. Rewda El Khouli, executive director of the "Malaz" foundation, emphasized the importance of analyzing patterns of abuse to identify opportunities for intervention and prevention.
Key points
- Child abuse cases in Egypt have surged, with 178 cases documented between July and September 2026.
- Experts point to a range of factors contributing to the rise in child abuse cases, including poor parenting skills, economic pressures, and social media.
- To combat child abuse, experts recommend developing and implementing effective prevention strategies, providing support services for families and children, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
