LETTERS: From 2020 to 2022, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) documented 18,750 cases of child abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, abandonment and parental absence.
Selangor had the highest incidence of child abuse at 4,256 cases, said Rantau Panjang member of parliament Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff in 2022.
She was deputy women, family and community development minister at the time.
Tackling child abuse requires careful attention and immediate action from the government, civil society and the people. Seven measures are recommended to address the issue.
First, allocate the nation's wealth equitably among the people. Child abuse can be minimised when there is no financial crisis.
Second, launch national campaigns to raise public awareness of warning signs and consequences of such abuse.
Third, increase the resources available to child welfare organisations. Educate law enforcement, social workers and medical professionals on how to identify and respond to child abuse.
Fourth, educate parents with the skills and knowledge to raise their children in a safe environment.
Offer crisis intervention services and additional resources to underprivileged families.
Fifth, include instruction on child safety in school curricula. Educators and other school personnel should receive training on how to spot abuse symptoms and create a safe space where kids can talk about their worries.
Sixth, encourage community involvement and networks of family support.
Seventh, provide easy access to mental health support services and counselling for perpetrators and victims of child abuse.
Through raising awareness, encouraging education and engaging the community, we enable people to break the cycle of abuse, support victims and advocate for laws that put the welfare of the youngest and most vulnerable members first.
DR RULIA AKHTAR
Research Fellow, Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times