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Parents have been urged to be careful about leaving children with their housemaids "all the time" by a leading Bahraini child protection expert.
Dr Fadheela Al Mahroos believes it is unsafe and unhealthy and has made a heartfelt plea for more vigilance in a society which welcomes strangers into the family home.
Dr Mahroos, Bahrain Centre for Child Protection chairman and Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) Child Protection Committee chairman, says she has seen many children who have been physically and sexually abused by their housemaids.
"We have seen cases in the centre where little boys and girls have been exposed to pornographic movies and pictures. Some have been sexually harassed and others were even forced to perform sexual acts with housemaids," she claimed.
"Parents must never let a housemaid sleep in the same room as their children, it is not advisable and it is not safe because they don't know what happens when they are not around.
"In fact, children should not be allowed to sleep in the same room with anyone. Most child sexual abuse cases are carried out by family relatives, close friends or neighbours," explained Dr Fadheela.
"It is understandable that parents need to leave their children with housemaids when they go to their offices or attend to some private chores and visits but that does not mean that they should totally depend on them.
"Sex abusers are usually people that parents know; therefore mothers and fathers must be very careful and attentive when their children are around others ... no matter who they are."
Dr Fadheel said child victims are left traumatised for life and need specialist care, love and patience to overcome their ordeal.
She said: "Being sexually abused is not a thing anyone can handle or get over with easily. They have simply been deprived of their innocence.
"Parents first reaction leaves a tremendous impact on the child in sexual abuse cases. It is very important and essential that both fathers and mothers be understanding and supportive and seek the right treatment for their children.
"Parents must not in any circumstance scream and shout at their abused child, hit them or blame them for what happened because that will just destroy them emotionally.
"If they don't know what to do to ensure the best for their child they should seek professional help to guide them and help them overcome the tragic experience."
