New Cases of Abuse: What to Look Out for and How to Prevent it

Every year, over 1000 cases of child abuse is reported. From a 2019 statistic for child abuse, it shows that most child abuse perpetrators are helpers or the victim's parents. Image credit: Young Malaysian's Facebook Page There's been two new reported child abuse cases these past few days. The recent case in Ipoh was reported when the four-year-old boy was pleading for food at Melembu. The passerby that reported the case saw a few injuries on the boy's body. The police quickly arrested the mother of the boy and her boyfriend for child neglect and abuse. Upon further investigation, the police found a rubber pipe and cane. The two objects were believed to be the things the adults used to hit the boy. Another recent case of child abuse happened at a Sabah childcare centre. The father of another four-year-old boy noticed a few bruises. When he asked the centre, they told him that it must've been from fighting with other kids. Accepting the explanation, the father kept on sending the boy to the centre. After a few complaints of headaches and an injury to the head, the father asked the centre to show the CCTV footage. There, he saw his son being kicked, slapped and hit with blunt objects while eating. Immediately, the father filed a report. Signs You Should Look Out For Like the case from Sabah, the child didn't tell his parents what was happening. The report was only made after the parents witnessed the injuries. Abuse comes in different ways, so, physical signs like bruises and bites might not show. Some other signs you can look out for: Anxiety Clingier than usual Withdrawal to touch Headaches Abdominal pain Frequent sore throats When you notice these signs, you can try asking your child about it. Remember, that their abuser might warn them not to tell anyone, so, if they seem afraid to tell, don't pressure them. How to Prevent Abuse If you suspect that your child is being abused by a third party, there are ways to prevent them. Once confirmed that they are being abused, should report it immediately to the local police. However, if you feel like you might have caused them some harm, here are some steps to prevent abuse. Examine your own behaviour Try other disciplinary methods Encourage children to voice out their feelings Prevent Abuse to Prevent Unwanted Effects From the official MyHealth portal, it is said there are short- and long-term consequences. Some of them include: Depression Poor peer relationships Sleep disorders Self-destructiveness Be There for Them After everything that has happened, remember to always be there for your kids. Let them know that you're always going to be there for them, to protect them. Stay safe out there, and stay strong! Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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