Despite the prevalence of videos on social media showing child abuse and neglect, these issues frequently remain unreported in real life.
Wanita MCA supports Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Nancy Shukri’s recent statement to refrain from posting about such incidences and to immediately report such cases to authorities instead.
If you suspect cases of child abuse and neglect, immediately contact the Talian Kasih helpline at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 for assistance.
While sharing videos can contribute to raising awareness, it does not address the immediate issue and may even lead to copycat action by other abusive adults.
Witnesses of abuse, particularly in public settings, can ill-afford remain passive. It is important to remember that these are real individuals, and we have a responsibility to ensure the immediate and swiftest protection of these minors.
There are also preventive steps that can be taken. Children themselves need to know when they are being mistreated.
Education systems in place should emphasise what mistreatment looks like. Conducting seminars in classrooms and giving examples of abuse would help a child recognise it.
This doesn’t just protect them, but also their peers who may not have the means to speak up.
To effectively address abuse and neglect, individuals accused of such acts should be investigated and issued an arrest warrant.
Additionally, the child should be placed under the protection of child protective services or a trusted next-of-kin or guardian who does not reside in the same abode and willing to accept the child.
This approach ensures the child’s safety while the alleged abuser remains in police custody.
Each year, Malaysia identifies thousands of abuse cases, and the numbers continue to rise. In 2023 alone, the Welfare Department reported 7,532 cases, compared to 6,770 cases in 2022.
Rather than being oblivious or apathetic, a more proactive stance by society can contribute towards lowering these reported and unreported numbers in 2024 and in the years to come.
Tee Hooi Ling is Wanita MCA national deputy chairperson.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
