The Role of Social Programs in Saudi Arabia to Prevent Domestic Violence, Compared to Developed Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

Prevention of domestic violence should be taken seriously, for it affects families, which are the foundation of communities. The purpose of this review is to investigate and synthesize data from studies to compare the interventions and roles played by social programs in preventing domestic violence in Saudi Arabia with those in some developed countries, notably the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The aim of the review is to identify the differences of the role played by the social programs in Saudi Arabia and those of developed countries, so as to provide information to social programs in Saudi Arabia on how better to prevent domestic violence. The study searched for literature material from Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar, JSTOR, and grey literature from international websites such as the United Nations, World Health Organization and other databases. Studies that reported on social programs that prevent domestic violence in Saudi Arabia and developed countries were included in this review. The search provided 4568 research studies, though only 20 of these met the right criteria and were reviewed. Despite there being social programs in Saudi Arabia that prevent domestic violence, there is a need for more research on how to eradicate this form of violence.


Introduction
Families are the pillars of communities and societies; hence, respective stakeholders, such as parents, governments, and religious institutions, among others, should ensure that families are well nurtured for the well-being of the family and community at large. Domestic violence affects mostly women and children in a family setting and can have profound effects on them (Tashkandi & Rasheed, 2008: p. 1245). The trauma suffered by victims of domestic violence affects their lives and how they interact with family members, peers, and teachers, among others (World Health Organization, 2014: p. 3;Dugan et al., 2003: p. 172). There are different types of domestic violence, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, control, isolation, trafficking, labour exploitation, and verbal abuse (Alhabdan 2015: p. 11;Cole, 2016: p. 2;Chhabra, 2018: p. 2). The effects of domestic violence range from physical and psychological issues to, in some cases, the death of the victim (Dugan et al., 2003: p. 172). Chhabra (2018: p. 2) states that 30% of women in relationships experience some form of domestic violence globally either at home or outside their homes. A study reviewing intimate partner violence against women in Arab countries reported that intimate partner violence against women ranged from 3% to 40% for sexual violence, 6% to more than 59% for physical violence, and from 5% to 91% emotional and psychological violence (Elghossain et al., 2019: p. 2).
Most citizens of Saudi Arabia are Muslims, and their tribal cultures and Islamic beliefs significantly influence their overall beliefs, norms, and culture. The 1992 Basic Law of Saudi Arabia states that: "the nation's constitution consists of the Quran and the Sunna, the actions and sayings of the prophet as recorded in the hadith" (Otterman, 2005: p. 2). Most cases of domestic violence in Saudi Arabia are toward women and children (Alhabdan, 2015: p. 20;Tashkandi & Rasheed, 2008: p. 1245. Women in Saudi Arabia are perceived to be below men in status and are required to ask for permission even when they are undertaking necessary and personal activities such as health care, traveling, social interactions and choosing marriage partners (Tashkandi & Rasheed, 2008: p. 1247Tønnessen, 2016: p. 6). It is even more devastating for a woman to file for divorce as one encounters the gender-biased laws, and a lot of stigmas even from friends because divorce is not well perceived in Islam. Early marriages are encouraged in the kingdom and are recognized as a cultural norm rather than a vice, or a violation of human rights and the law is not very strict on early marriages. Forced early marriages are also very common in Saudi Arabia (Tønnessen, 2016: p. 6). Consequently, older men become more dominant and regularly physically and emotionally abuse women (Tashkandi & Rasheed, 2008: p. 1243Tønnessen, 2016: p. 6). The abuse includes shoving and hitting sexual harassment, threatening, and verbal insults.
In the recent past, due to factors such as globalization, domestic violence cases have decreased in Saudi Arabia. The gender inequality issues are being addressed, and women and children are starting to enjoy some of their fundamen-  (Alquaiz et al., 2017). As a result, a few policies were incorporated in Saudi Arabia. For example, sexual harassment, both at home and in workplaces, is now a crime punishable either through jail sentences or fines (Shiraz, 2016: p. 343 Hence women are discouraged from reporting when they have been physically or emotionally violated (Tashkandi & Rasheed, 2008: p. 1247). This is because they are often victimised and face stigma, mainly because they are viewed as being eroded by foreign doctrines by embracing western lifestyles (Alhabdan, 2015: p. 95).
The current study will review works of literature that include the role of social

Aims of the Review
This is the first study to conduct a systematic literature review of role of social programs in Saudi Arabia to prevent domestic violence, compared to developed countries. The aims of the review are to establish the role of social programs in preventing domestic violence in Saudi Arabia, on the one hand, and developed countries (notably the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia), on the other; and to determine what measures Saudi Arabia should incorporate from these developed countries to help curb its own domestic violence.

Systematic Reviewing
A systematic review was used in this study to explore the differences between the role of social programs in preventing domestic violence in Saudi Arabia and certain developed countries. Systematic reviewing is a method employed to synthesize available literature evidence to help answer formulated research questions. It helps in the collection of relevant information, the investigation of the quality of evidence, the identification of gaps in the research, and the generation of conclusions. This review used methods from Cochrane guidance on conducting reviews and the outcomes are reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Critical reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Search Strategy
The search strategy for finding books, journals, articles, and other sources on the role of social programs in preventing domestic violence in Saudi Arabia and the selected developed countries included a search in the electronic database of Ap-

Exclusion/Inclusion Criteria
This study included all observational, experimental, quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods research studies related to the prevention of domestic violence in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The inclusion criteria identified studies that were original, written in English or Arabic, were published between 2000 till today, and met the objectives of the study.
Literature materials that included policies or interventions of curbing and preventing domestic violence, gender equality, and family support services in Saudi Arabia and the developed countries were included. Of the more than 4000 sources identified, 2893 were excluded through abstract screening and 1574 were excluded for being duplicated. Twenty sources remained and were employed in this study. The data were synthesized using a narrative approach following the PRISMA guidelines.

The Reasons for Selecting Specific Countries
This review aimed at comparing the role of social programs in preventing do-

The Role of Social Programs in Saudi Arabia to Prevent Domestic Violence
One in every three women in Saudi Arabia has experienced domestic violence.
Domestic violence in this country is considered a cultural practice that is necessary for instilling discipline (Tashkandi & Rasheed, 2008: p. 1245  The Ministry of Labor and Social Development that is concerned with the implementation of this law created a social protection unit whose responsibility includes receiving reports and dealing with domestic violence cases (Shiraz, 2016: p. 343). The social protection unit, entirely staffed by women, issued a toll-free number (1919) that victims can report cases of violence. In 2018 the country adopted another law against harassment, violators of which face a maximum of five years in prison or a maximum fine of SR300,000. A hotline (999911996) to report cases of harassment was put in place. The government also created social programs whose main objective is protecting families from domestic violence. These programs are funded by both the government and other non-governmental agencies. They include Al-Bir in Jeddah and Al-Wafaa in Riyadh, among others. These programs are tasked with raising awareness about the effects of domestic violence, empowering women by sharing information on their essential role in the society, and aiding low-income families with financial assistance, among other roles (Alhabdan, 2015: p. 96).
The government also started social programs for children. The main of these programs is to ensure that children who now enjoy better rights, such as the right to health care, the right to vote, freedom of travel, and the right to better education (Topal, 2019: p. 104). In 2017 another law that protects the family against domestic violence was adopted. This gave women the right to access services such as taking identification cards, filing for a legal divorce, and owning homes, regardless if they have a husband or not.
Women in Saudi can now study science-related courses, such as engineering.
They can contest in elections and even be voted into leadership positions in the municipal council (Topal, 2019: p. 121

The Role of Social Programs in Developed Countries to Prevent Domestic Violence
Most studies used in this review that investigate the role of social programs in preventing domestic violence in developed countries report the seriousness do- The act incorporates other forms of domestic violence extending to dowry abuse and abusing a partner's pet (Contesse & Fenrich, 2008: p. 1770Meima, 2014: p. 24).
Laws are mostly followed if there are strict consequences in their violation.
Several studies report that in these developed countries, juridical systems are well formulated, and courts are set up that deal with the protection of the family unit. This ensures that the offenders of domestic violence do not escape unpunished but instead face the various consequences embedded in the law. The Australian juridical system, for example, has taken steps to nullify common arguments by offenders, such as they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they committed the crime. Self-induced intoxication is no longer a defence that will enable domestic violence propagator to avoid due punishment (Markus & Sandison, 2018: p. 48). In Canada, there are Domestic Violence Court Programs whose primary purpose is to deal with domestic violence issues, and by working with the victim, arresting police officers, and witnesses, ensure that offenders are sentenced to either jail time or fines depending on the crime committed (Taylor, 2016: p. 16;Sinha, 2012: p. 56 (Matczak et al., 2011: p. 235;Sen, 1998: p. 10).
Some studies suggest that making easier to get reports and appropriate feedback from the police is another intervention that has helped in the reduction of domestic violence in developed countries. Several pieces of research reported the availability of hotlines in these countries that are always available for victims of domestic violence. In Canada, the hotline number is 911 (Taylor, 2016: p 18), in New Zealand, it is 111 (Meima, 2014: p. 24), in Australia it is 000 (Queensland Government, 2016: p 3), and in the United Kingdom, it is 999 (Matczak et al., 2011: p. 237). Most of the calls to these hotlines are responded to by the police as emergencies and are taken very seriously. The police are said to have some important roles, such as testifying in court proceedings, disarming domestic violence offenders, arresting offenders, and directing victims to the right channels where they can seek more help (Alquaiz et al., 2017). Some police departments are also reported to have initiatives aimed at preventing and eradicating domestic violence. They have partnered with the community, and as a result of this cooperation, have been able to prevent or act in an emergency during domestic violence activities. An example is in the United Kingdom where the police service has Community Safety Units led by professionals who deal with domestic violence cases (Matczak et al., 2011: p. 245;Sen, 1998: p. 11).
The protection of victims of domestic violence is vital. Most of the developed countries studied have systems in place that are intended to protect the victims. Domestic violence victims require treatment and protection from offenders, and these initiatives are significant, for they make it easy for a victim to report violations without fear of stigma or victimisation by the offender. These initiatives, aimed at protecting and treating victims, encourage even those who feel ashamed or would not otherwise dare to report domestic violence to do so. In Australia, the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme and the Family Law Act are responsible for ensuring the protection of victims of domestic violence during interrogations and court proceedings, and after the case (Markus & Sandison, 2018: p. 47;Queensland Government, 2016: p. 8).
In the United Kingdom, several laws and bodies help in protecting victims of domestic violence. The Homeless Person Act singles out individuals and children who require attention and instructs local authorities to offer them accommodation and protection (Matczak et al., 2011: p. 237). The Domestic Violence, Crime, and Victims Act is responsible for granting victims of domestic violence protection and accommodation. The United Kingdom also has a housing program that helps accommodate and protect the victims. The Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence launched in Canada 2017 has an obligation to support, protect and assist victims of domestic violence. Individuals can apply to be granted child custody to protect themselves and their children from abusive partners.
Additionally, most developed countries are reported to have training programs that help in the prevention of domestic violence. These training programs are offered to various people, including professionals dealing with domestic violence cases and the general public. They aim at creating awareness on how to deal with domestic violence from reporting and getting the help one requires.
This kind of awareness is crucial to both the victims and the professionals handling domestic violence cases as well as helping create awareness of what is entailed in such violence. In Australia, a program known as AVERT Family Violence aims to ensure that all professionals dealing with domestic violence understand their roles and responsibilities and how they can be of help to the victim (Markus & Sandison, 2018: p. 34;Queensland Government, 2016: p 9). Also, every region in Australia has a family advocacy system that advises and represents victims of domestic violence in court at no cost.
Some programs are aimed at finding more information on how to curb domestic violence. An example is the Canada Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre. The program conducts research and presents data to relevant bodies so that they are constantly aware of the situation and circumstances of gender-based violence (Taylor, 2016: p. 13;Sinha, 2012: p. 50

Discussion of Findings
Going through the outcomes of this review, the seriousness with which domestic violence is taken in developing countries is apparent. Saudi Arabia must incorporate the same kind of seriousness if they want to curb its own levels of domestic violence. It should start by re-examining its laws against domestic violence and by defining and clearly outlining the different types of violations that relate to domestic violence (Markus & Sandison, 2018: p. 43;Meima, 2014: p. 24;World Health Organization, 2009: p. 9). It should incorporate violations such as rape, which is not currently included in its laws and policies, even though sexual harassment is a major form of domestic violence. The Saudi government should also formulate a well-trained justiciable system whose main objectives are to Additionally, more programs and more organisations should be tasked with the responsibility of creating awareness against domestic violence. Citizens of Saudi Arabia should continuously be reminded of the consequences of domestic violence, the role of women and children in society, gender equality, and harmful cultural practices that diminish women and children rights in the community. Through these initiatives, the attitude towards domestic violence will change from being a regulation of the Quran and cultural practices to a violation of human rights (World Health Organization, 2009: p. 6). Creating awareness will also encourage more women who are undergoing mistreatments to put an end to it and seek the proper treatment they deserve (Matczak et al., 2011: p. 237).
Saudi Arabia should consider having training programs for professionals dealing with domestic violence such as the police, social workers, advocates, and magistrates (Alquaiz et al., 2017). When professionals know what is required of them and thoroughly understand their roles and responsibilities, they will be able to execute their tasks and help the victims as well as apprehend the offenders. Specialised training should be given to the police service as they are most often the first responders when an emergency arises. All police officers in Saudi Arabia should be able to deal with cases of violence as well as knowhow to help victims or instruct them on where to get the right help. Ways of dealing with domestic violence should also be public knowledge so that victims are aware of the right channels to follow and how they can receive the assistance they need.

Conclusion
According to this review, there is much that the Saudi Arabia government and social programs should incorporate in their fight against domestic violence. The