Advanced Forensic System Detects Injuries Invisible to the Naked Eye.
Sharjah: Kanaf Centre has become the first facility in the UAE and the wider Middle East to introduce advanced forensic technology capable of identifying injuries and other evidence that may be invisible to the naked eye in child protection cases.
The Child Safety Organisation said the Safe Ultra System has been incorporated into Kanaf Centre’s approved forensic procedures to enhance the documentation of suspected child abuse and sexual assault cases. The technology is also expected to support judicial proceedings by providing more comprehensive forensic evidence while helping safeguard children’s rights.
The technology uses multispectral imaging to detect physical injuries and other signs that may be difficult to identify under conventional lighting. It can reveal bruises and contusions, including injuries beneath the skin even after visible marks have faded.
The system can also identify bite and fingernail marks, scratches, lacerations, burns and changes in blood vessels, providing forensic specialists with a more detailed assessment of potential injuries.
The technology can also detect bodily fluids linked to criminal investigations and sexual assault cases, helping medical teams identify and collect relevant samples for further examination.
The system is supported by ForenScope CMS, a secure digital case management platform that enables specialists to review forensic images, prepare and revise reports, process case information and securely store records in a centralised archive.
Each case is documented and monitored through a clearly defined procedural process, helping maintain the integrity of forensic evidence and ensuring its admissibility in legal proceedings.
Reducing repeated examinations
Hanadi Al Yafei, Director General of the Child Safety Organisation and Chairperson of Kanaf’s Higher Committee, said the technology was introduced with the welfare and best interests of children at the forefront.
She said accurate and responsible assessments could help minimise the need for repeated examinations, reducing the risk of additional psychological distress for children and their families.
Al Yafei said every decision taken at Kanaf is centred on a child’s right to receive care in a safe and supportive environment that protects their dignity and emotional well-being. She added that understanding each child’s experience and individual needs is crucial to determining the most appropriate path towards recovery and long-term well-being.
The upgraded system has been integrated into Kanaf’s approved procedures and is used in an environment designed to address the psychological and social needs of each child while safeguarding their dignity and privacy.
Supporting judicial proceedings
Dr Mohammed Al Kaabi, Head of the Judicial Department, described the technology as a significant step forward in forensic medical documentation.
Al Kaabi said the technology can detect indicators that may not be visible to the naked eye, including bruising beneath the skin after external signs have disappeared. He added that the system can support forensic examinations in cases involving suspected physical abuse and sexual assault.
He said the technology could also help minimise the risk of evidence being lost while reducing the need for repeated examinations that may cause additional psychological distress to children.
According to Al Kaabi, accurate forensic documentation plays an important role in protecting children’s rights and strengthening the reliability of medical reports presented to judicial authorities.
Counsellor Anwar Al Harmoudi, Attorney General of the Emirate of Sharjah and a member of Kanaf’s Higher Committee, said scientifically documented evidence can help judicial authorities make better-informed decisions while contributing to faster and more accurate delivery of justice.
Al Harmoudi said the technology could help establish evidence of a crime even when visible signs are no longer present, helping bridge potential evidentiary gaps in sensitive cases.
He said the capability is particularly significant in cases involving children, as it can help ensure their rights are protected even when conventional evidence may be limited.
Al Harmoudi added that the system also strengthens accountability and demonstrates the close coordination between Kanaf, forensic medicine services and the Public Prosecution.
Faster, more accurate documentation
By simplifying the process from initial assessment through to final reporting, the system enables specialists to produce reliable documentation in multiple formats while maintaining the integrity and quality of the original data.
The technology is also designed to minimise the risk of errors or information loss, allowing specialist teams to handle cases more efficiently while continuing to safeguard children’s privacy and well-being.
Kanaf’s forensic medicine team has received specialised training to operate the system and integrate it effectively into established procedures.
The investment is aimed at developing specialist expertise, strengthening national capabilities and aligning forensic practices in child protection cases with international standards.
Coordinated care for children and families
The technology is part of the Child Safety Organisation’s wider efforts to build an integrated child protection framework focused on raising community awareness, preventing potential risks and promoting a stronger culture of child safety.
Through its specialised intervention and response services, Kanaf provides children and their families with a coordinated support pathway that includes reassurance, psychological and social care, treatment and recovery.
The centre also works closely with health, social and judicial authorities to provide comprehensive support, while ensuring parents and guardians remain actively involved throughout the child’s care and recovery process.
Families receive guidance tailored to the circumstances and social needs of each case, while specialised government entities across the legal, social, educational and health sectors operate under one roof to streamline access to reporting, assessment, treatment and follow-up services.
Kanaf follows the internationally recognised Barnahus model, which brings together investigation, psychological support, education and social reintegration services, with each intervention tailored to the individual needs of the child.
The approach reflects Sharjah’s commitment to care, solidarity and shared responsibility in protecting children, preserving their well-being and safeguarding their rights.
