Lending a Paw to Empower: DFWAC's Innovative Therapy Program
DFWACRecognized with Kafa Award for Pioneering Approaches in Preventing Women's Violence Victimization
In a groundbreaking move, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) has been bestowed with the prestigious Kafa Award for its remarkable Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program, hailed as the top initiative in the Arab world for countering domestic violence. This recognition was announced during the 53rd International Women's Empowerment and Capacity Building Organisation (Tamkeen) Conference in Kuwait.
DFWAC's AAT program, one of the pioneers in its field across the region, offers psychological fortification, emotional care, and holistic treatment to women and children who have endured abuse and addiction. The program's achievement has garnered universal admiration for its focus on addressing the unique needs of at-risk individuals, fostering a protective and empowering culture.
Accepting this distinguished award, Shaikha Saeed Al Mansouri, Acting Director-General of DFWAC, reiterated the Foundation's dedication to pioneering therapeutic services. Al Mansouri also paid homage to the UAE's leadership, which champions women's empowerment and protection, and reaffirmed DFWAC's unwavering commitment to uplifting survivors by way of comprehensive care and sustained support.
It was Dr. Ghanima Al Bahri, Director of the Care and Rehabilitation Department, who accepted the award on behalf of the foundation. Dr. Al Bahri underscored the program's emphasis on psychological care and holistic treatment as imperative for women and children. She expressed immense pride in representing DFWAC, emphasizing that innovation in support systems can bring newfound hope to those in need.
The conference further honored the endeavors of social workers across the Gulf region, awarding the "Outstanding Gulf Social Worker Award" to several exceptional individuals for their trailblazing work in the fight against domestic abuse and the promotion of social advancement.
According to limited information available, the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program affords emotional support, psychological strength, and therapeutic benefits to survivors of violence. In addition, AAT can help build social connections and deliver community support – vital elements of long-term recovery. Although specific data on DFWAC's program's efficacy isn't readily accessible, AAT programs usually yield positive outcomes in terms of emotional and psychological healing. Further research and evaluation would be necessary to assess the concrete impact of DFWAC's program on mitigating domestic violence.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
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Key Aspects of DFWAC's AAT Program:
- The Foundation collaborates with various entities, including the Ministry of Interior, to create a secure environment for both children and women.
- AAT can provide emotional support and comfort to survivors of abuse by making them feel safe and understood.
- The program promotes trust and confidence, which are crucial for healing and recovery.
- AAT has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being in various therapeutic settings.
- The program facilitates social interaction and community building, which help survivors in their long-term recovery and support.
While DFWAC's AAT program stands apart from the crowd as an innovator in its domain to challenge domestic violence, thorough studies or evaluations would be beneficial to truly evaluate its effectiveness in empowering women and children. The potential of AAT as a healing tool is evident, but its true impact should be measured through specific achievements and client feedback.
- The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) showed commendable leadership in introducing innovative therapies and treatments, especially their Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program, which focuses on women's health, mental health, and health-and-wellness.
- Dr. Ghanima Al Bahri, Director of the Care and Rehabilitation Department at DFWAC, underscored the importance of science in developing AAT, a program that offers mental-health support, cultural sensitivity, and holistic therapies for survivors of domestic violence.
- The AAT program promotes innovation in the region by providing treatments that foster emotional care, social connections, and community support, all of which are essential for the long-term recovery and well-being of survivors, particularly women's health.
- Shaikha Saeed Al Mansouri, Acting Director-General of DFWAC, expressed pride in their groundbreaking AAT program, which demonstrates a commitment to science, leadership, and innovation, aiming to improve the quality of life for women and children facing domestic violence.
