LETTERS: In Malaysia, more than 1,000 cases of child abuse are reported annually with more than 5,000 cases reported in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is attributed to numerous factors such as divorce, unemployment and poverty. When a marriage ends in divorce, custody of children will be given to either the mother or father.
As such, those who have to take care of their children without any support and help from their spouses find it hard to juggle their jobs with kids and the housework, thus child neglect may ensue.
Bear in mind that child abuse may have long-term impacts, including depression, which can affect children's learning at school. As a result, their academic performance may drop.
Also, a study found that children who are violently abused are 13 per cent more likely to drop out of school. Sudden changes in children's behaviour may stem from abuse.
They who were always in jovial moods before prefer to be isolated due to their trauma and fear of socialising with friends. Their self-esteem and confidence may also erode, and this should merit attention, especially from friends, neighbours and teachers.
We must always be alert to sudden changes in children's behaviour. If there is any bruise or injury on the a child's body that may be inflicted by abuse, make a report to the authorities.
Putting ourselves in their shoes may prompt us to have more empathy and sympathy for them. Studies found that abused children may have a greater likelihood of suffering from health problems in the long run such as heart attack and high blood pressure.
Constant abuse may also culminate in children getting embroiled in social ills such as drug addiction, bullying and crimes.
They commit such offences to attract attention from other people due to the fact that they're feeling neglected.
That's why some children may deliberately misbehave inside or outside school. Due to the detrimental impacts, child abuse should be swiftly addressed to nip it in the bud.
Any delayed action may prompt the cost of treating abused children to spike. The onus is on all of us to lift the lid off abuse by reporting it to the authorities.
DR MOHD SHAHIDAN SHAARI
Faculty of Applied and Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Perlis
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times