Investigating an allegation of child abuse in an Arab American Home

CULTURAL STUDIES (20): Investigating an allegation of child abuse in an Arab American Home
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For law enforcers, there is a need to determine whether child abuse does occur regularly. In most cases, child maltreatment is regarded as criminal activities rather than a social problem. However, for minorities including Arab Americans, there is a tendency to associate female oppression as being part of Arab culture. Stereotypes on Arab Americans also influence how people view Arabs as they may be regarded as an illiberal minority. Stereotypes and mistrust of law officers may likely lengthen the investigation process on child abuse. Hence, the officers should not simply assume that the girl’s condition is a result of the father’s action. The girl's parents and family members may refuse to cooperate fully with the investigation, and hence the law officers need to reassure the family that t...