A maid has been arrested and accused of physically assaulting a five-year-old boy over a period of time at the gated community where they lived.
The Filipino allegedly slapped and pinched the child and hit him in between his legs with a stick.
One of the assaults took place after the boy dropped her phone, an official said.
Senior public prosecutor Ahmad Al Attar said that the incident came to light in the first week of January when a neighbour spotted an instance of violence.
“The mother works in Abu Dhabi but lives in Dubai. She had tried to call her maid, who didn't answer because at that exact moment she was hitting the child," he said.
"When the neighbour saw the child being assaulted, she took him away and informed the mother of the abuse upon her return."
He added that the maid, who worked for the family for eight months, did not attempt to hide the punishment she gave out.
A medical report confirmed the child suffered bruises on different parts of his body. Mr Al Attar added that when he interviewed the child, he had seen almost green bruises on his body.
The prosecutor said a number of other women from the neighbourhood in Bur Dubai informed the mother that they had also seen as the maid beat the child, but had not reported it.
A social worker’s report stated that the child developed a state of shame from being hit publicly. He also had nightmares about the woman, it was claimed.
“I wonder how people could see a child being beaten and not do something," Mr Al Attar said in reference to the length of time it took to report the hitting.
"As per law, it's mandatory for anyone one who witnesses a child being subjected to any form of abuse to report it to the authorities, including if it was a parent who was abusing the child."
He urged members of the public to speak up if they witness an incident that looks like it may be abuse.
What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Teams in the EHL
White Bears, Al Ain Theebs, Dubai Mighty Camels, Abu Dhabi Storms, Abu Dhabi Scorpions and Vipers
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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