On February 10, 2026, Mirsadiq Mukhtarov, a staff member of Khazar University's Psychology Department and psychologist at the Khazar Psychological Service Center, gave an interview to the "Demokrat.az" news portal. Against the backdrop of a domestic violence case involving a minor in Baku, the psychologist discussed the psychological aspects of physical and sexual abuse against children and the importance of preventive education.
He stated that physical violence encompasses any behavior that causes pain and harm to a child and can under no circumstances be considered a means of discipline. According to the psychologist, children subjected to physical violence experience feelings of fear, shame, and guilt, which leads them to attempt to conceal what has happened, thereby creating conditions for the violence to continue. Unexplained bruises on the body, frequent injuries, fearful behavior, and excessive obedience may be signs of physical abuse, and in such cases, relevant authorities must be notified promptly.
Mirsadiq Mukhtarov noted that in cases of sexual abuse, the concept of "bodily integrity" must be explained to children in an age-appropriate manner. A child must understand that their body belongs to them and they cannot be forced into unwanted physical contact. The psychologist emphasized that children must be taught not to conceal dangerous behaviors and to contact school psychologists, teachers, and law enforcement agencies regarding situations that cause concern.
The full version of the interview is available at the following link:
https://demokrat.az/az/news/268412/usaq-bilmelidir-ki-bedeni-ona-mexsusdur