Last update - 00:00 29/05/2007
First center for youth sexual offenders to open in Israeli Arab town
By Ruth Sinai, Haaretz Correspondent
A children's rights group will open Wednesday the first day care center for youth sexual offenders in an Israeli Arab town, an issue considered taboo in the conservative Israeli Arab sector.
The Elem, Youth in Distress in Israel organization will inaugurate a branch in the northern Israeli Arab town of Tamra, adding to its other existing branches in Tel Aviv, Afula and Ma'alot.
Since it started operating over five years ago, the center has assisted over 2,000 children, aged five to 17, who have been involved in abuse cases.
"When I talk to people, everyone tells me they know of an instance in which a child abused another ... enthusiasm exists for the center," center manager and social worker Aamar Jariasi said.
Jariasi also expects many Israel Arab families to be reluctant to send their children to the center.
"Issues of sex are considered taboo and are dealt with discretion at school, home and in society. Sexual abuse is a complete taboo, and of children even more so," Jariasi said.