At Dubai shelter, a sandbox or costume can help children describe trauma

Counsellors at the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children help kids communicate trauma and abuse through the use of toys and costumes.

DUBAI // A sandbox, costume or toys can help children at a Dubai shelter describe the trauma they have suffered.

In a room at the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, counsellors observe the children at play, which can indicate the physical and sexual abuse the little ones suffered.

While watching a boy play with cars in the sand, counsellor Amina Hussain bin learnt that a big car chasing two small ones symbolised the abuser’s pressure on the victim and his brother.

Another child wore a policeman’s uniform and chose a sword and shield to express how she was rescued.

“Sand is one of the best fabrics for a child to play and learn to express their feelings, and by wearing a costume they sometimes become a character in a play,” said Ms bin Hammad.

“This becomes a safe place for them. You have to be very patient and can then diagnose where critical problems come from.”

On the far side of the room near a set of board games, counsellors once watched a child place small, grey plastic soldiers on a bridge to illustrate escape from an abuser.

A doll’s house with many rooms and toys in prams are introduced at a later stage to pinpoint abuse.

Cardboard figures are used to depict good and bad touches, and paper for children to draw pictures is offered.

Some cannot conceptualise a range of emotions, such as one child who always drew an angry face. It was only after several sessions that he sketched other feelings.

“Some victims are so young they don’t understand what they have been through,” said Hamda Ahmed, case manager.

The priority is protecting children, said Afra Al Basti.

“We design for each child his or her own special programme. Social support and activities are very important to maintain a child’s social and psychological well-being.”

To help return their lives to normal, the children attend school, from nursery classes through to secondary level.

“We do believe that education is one of the important rehabilitative tools,” Ms Al Basti said.

“We do not only enrol them but we follow up their educational plans, exams and studies.

“Transport and safe escort services take the child to and from school.

“We take financial responsibility for the children’s needs in school.”