Amid recurring incidents of violence against children within families-most recently the death of a six-year-old girl in a northern Badia area after being beaten at home-calls are renewed for raising community awareness about the legal limits of disciplinary action and the ethical and social responsibilities of anyone who witnesses or suspects child abuse.

This tragic incident occurred just one day before World Children's Day, observed annually on November 20, intensifying warnings about domestic child abuse. Such incidents are not isolated; they repeatedly occur within communities.

Legal Framework and Reporting Procedures

Although Jordan has a legal framework to protect children through the Penal Code and the Child Rights Law No. 17 of 2022, legal experts stress that the wall of silence in society and fear of reporting remain obstacles to fully addressing these violations.

Articles 62 and 328 of the Penal Code set legal limits for discipline and punishment. Article 62 allows for light discipline that does not leave physical or psychological harm.

Lawyer and legal advisor Qusai Al-Shwahin explains that this provision does not justify violence but supports simple parental guidance. Any violation beyond this constitutes a serious criminal offense, which may lead to prosecution under Article 328 in cases of excessive beating or repeated abuse.

According to Al-Shwahin, penalties for repeated violence or causing disfigurement can reach life hard labor and even the death penalty if there is intent to kill or cause permanent harm, particularly if the perpetrator is a close relative.

Regarding reporting procedures, Al-Shwahin emphasizes that entities such as families, hospitals, schools, and health centers are legally obligated to report any child abuse, ensuring the confidentiality of the reporter.

Jordanian law provides clear reporting mechanisms. Individuals can call 911 to forward cases to the Family Protection Department. Social development institutions, health centers, and civil society and international organizations also follow up on reports.

Experts emphasize that reporting-even on suspicion rather than confirmed abuse-is a legal and ethical duty. Covering up abuse or remaining silent constitutes a serious violation, while false reports made in bad faith are treated as a crime.

Warnings About Community Silence

On child protection laws, expert Dr. Sayed Adel Al-Ratrout stresses that strong legislation exists, providing clear provisions requiring reporting of any abuse before it escalates or leads to death. However, the problem, according to Al-Ratrout, lies in people failing to report abuse they know of or suspect.

He notes that the law obliges anyone aware of abuse, by virtue of their work or interaction with the child, to report it early, primarily to the Family Protection Department. Yet, in many cases, silence prevails within family and social circles-a silence Al-Ratrout describes as deadly, which contributed to the girl's death. Ignoring or attempting to resolve abuse at home, or covering it up, is never permissible.

Al-Shwahin adds that existing legislation and international oversight are sufficient to protect children, but societal awareness remains inadequate. The horrific crime committed by a man against his daughter, he says, was unaffected by legal provisions, reflecting a loss of conscience and human empathy. He underscores the importance of spreading awareness to strengthen child protection in society.

Al-Ratrout warns of the lethal consequences of silence, emphasizing that society should not wait for another child to die before taking action. Many have seen or heard signs of abuse but, due to fear, ignorance, or the desire to cover up, did not report it.

He delivers a clear message to the community, urging all parents, professionals, teachers, neighbors, and anyone interacting with children to report immediately any suspected abuse. He also calls for intensified awareness and guidance from relevant authorities, stressing that no warning sign of potential violence should be ignored because the future of children is everyone's responsibility.

The Child Rights Law No. 17 of 2022 guarantees children the right to protection from all forms of violence, abuse, or neglect (Article 20). It also imposes mandatory reporting: Article 21 requires anyone aware of abuse against a child-including educational or health service providers-to report it to the authorities. Article 22 ensures safe reporting, prohibiting disclosure of the identity of reporters acting in good faith.

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