Child Abuse: WHY People Hesitate To Report It To The Authority?

As I woke up this morning, I was disturbed by the news I read over my FB wall shared by a doctor friend. A story about a 4-year-old girl who died and her stepfather was detained for causing her death. I am not interested to write the details of the tragedy. While I am still digesting the news, I came across another news about an unmarried couple being arrested on suspicion of neglecting and abusing their 8-month-old baby who is currently being treated at the Pediatric ICU Unit. What is happening? Why are some people getting worst than animals? Have humans turned into beasts? Honestly, this is going to be a hard piece of writing for me. Credit: The Malay Mail About Child Abuse WHO defined child abuse constitutes all forms of physical abuse, emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, negligence which results in actual or potential harm, to the child. According to a 5-years study by Pediatricians in Serdang Hospital concludes that the number of child abuse and neglects is increasing over the years. Infants <1 year old are the most vulnerable group to sustain significant injuries from physical abuse by caretakers leading to death and long-term morbidities. Sadly, many cases of child abuse are unreported although it is a social obligation. Why is this happening? Reason Why People Hesitate to Report A Child Abuse Any person who has knowledge of or suspicion that a child is abused or at risk of being abuse should inform Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM). Yet, some are hesitant to get involved due to certain reasons. Among the possible reasons that child abuse has been under-reported might be because of: Shocked and frightened by the terrifying tragedy. Some might even be thinking “let the professionals handle this.” Not being aware of our social obligation and feels that it is “none of our business”. Credit: Free Malaysia Today You doubt yourself and think you are the one who is overreacting. A false accusation could end up with you being sued by the parents. Don’t know how and where to make the report. Feeling insecure and thinking "If I make a report, I won't be able to remain anonymous," could also deter the public to learn how to make the report. Don’t want to get involved with any Court cases, legal and stuff. Yes, it is time-consuming. Sad but true - some adults in the family even witnessing the abuse, opt not to report it as they have a reputation to keep or don’t want the public to know their ‘inside’ family secret. There are also cases not being reported because the abuser is the sole provider of the family and everyone is depending on him/her. I personally don’t see any reason for us not to make a report of child abuse under our nose. The helpless children could not speak for themselves, but we can! Please make the report if you encounter these unfortunate circumstances. Please don't put yourself with the selfish people. Credit: The Star Where or How Can You Make the Report? You could make a report to the police or send the child to the nearest hospital so that JKM could be informed. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can just call the Child Abuse Hotline, Talian Nur at 15999 which is available 24-7. Make the report and save a life, or you might regret it later when it is too late to realize. Reference: My Health Portal, MOH http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/category/kids/kids-child-abuse/ Vinitha Nair Prabhakaran, Rohaizah Bt Borhan, Faiza Syuhada Bt Mohd Rafdi (2020) Suspected child abuse and neglect cases in a single tertiary hospital in Malaysia - a 5-year retrospective study, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Serdang http://www.e-mjm.org/2020/v75n5/child-abuse.pdf

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