Protecting Children with Disabilities from Physical ViolenceA Comparative Study of Islamic Jurisprudence and Saudi Regulations

Abstract

Abstract

This study consists of an introduction, a preliminary section, three chapters, and a conclusion. It aims to contribute to eliminating physical violence against children with disabilities by establishing the wrongful nature of the motives underlying the use of physical violence against them. It also seeks to clarify the confusion surrounding the legitimacy of using violence as a means of guidance and discipline in the Islamic approach, as distinguished from the forms of violence practiced for the purposes of revenge and retaliation, as addressed by laws and regulations.

A descriptive comparative approach was adopted to diagnose the phenomenon of physical violence against children with disabilities and identify its causes. These causes may provoke feelings of anger among families of children with disabilities or among those who interact with children with disabilities in general, potentially resulting in physical violence against children as a reaction to behaviors arising from their disabilities.

The study reaches several important findings. Disability is a factor that increases children’s exposure to physical violence compared with their non-disabled peers. The use of violence against children with disabilities is associated with misconceptions and a lack of awareness. The study also identifies several means that may contribute to eliminating physical violence against children with disabilities, including raising public awareness.