How do you prevent child exploitation, especially sexual abuse?

LETTERS: The New Straits Times (NST) reported that since September 11 this year, police have launched ‘Op Global’, a nationwide operation targeting charities linked to GlSB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) suspected of child exploitation and alleged indoctrination.

Since then, hundreds of suspects have been arrested and hundreds of adults and children rescued.

According to the NST, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that faith, abuse of power and religion and child abuse are serious issues that must be addressed immediately.

The questions that arise include: (1) What motivates these sexual predators to target children as their preferred victims? And (2) What dynamics are at play in understanding preventive measures to minimize and eliminate such abuse?

In general, the motivations behind sex predators, including pedophiles, are complex and vary by individual. Here are some of the factors.

Most sexual predators, especially pedophiles, are attracted to the power differential between adults and children. They seek control and dominance.

Some sexual predators may have unresolved psychological issues or developmental delays that lead them to prefer children.

Additionally, children can represent innocence and vulnerability, which appeals to specific fantasies the individual has. Some sex predators may find children more approachable because of their trust and dependence on adults.

Therefore, it is important to emphasize that these motives do not justify or condone harmful behavior. It is crucial to protect children and support prevention and treatment for those who experience these issues.

Most sexual predators, including pedophiles, often target vulnerable children. They do this for a variety of reasons.

Sexual predators prefer to target vulnerable children because they trust you more and are less likely to resist or report inappropriate behavior, making them easier to manipulate.

In addition, children from unstable home situations or children who are not properly supervised by adults may have fewer opportunities to seek help or protection.

In addition, sexual predators may take advantage of a child’s emotional or psychological needs by providing the attention or affection that the child craves. Unfortunately, sexual predators have the skills to gain trust and security from children.

Unfortunately, vulnerable children can become more isolated, making it easier for predators to make contact unnoticed.

Sexual predators, including pedophiles, often instill fear or shame, making children feel unable to report the abuse, especially if they think no one will believe them. Understanding this dynamic is crucial to prevention and intervention efforts.

Tackling the problem of child sexual abuse, particularly preventive measures in charities, therefore requires a multifaceted approach. Children in charities are often more vulnerable due to several factors.

Many charities aim to create a nurturing atmosphere, but this can inadvertently create opportunities for exploitation by those in positions of authority or care.

These vulnerable children may have limited access to external support networks or resources, making it more difficult for them to report abuse.

More precisely, the dynamics of caregiver relationships can lead to situations in which children are unable to speak out against those who have authority over them.

It should be mandatory to implement thorough screening processes for all employees and volunteers, including background checks and reference checks, to identify potential risks.

It is also important to have regular training sessions for staff, children and carers on how to recognise, prevent and report abuse. This includes understanding boundaries and consent.

We need to teach our children about their rights and encourage open communication. Programs should focus on empowering them to speak up when they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

It is strongly recommended that clear, confidential and accessible reporting channels be established for children to report abuse. This may include hotlines, suggestion boxes or trusted adults they can approach.

Implementing strict supervision rules ensures that children are never left alone with unsupervised staff or volunteers. Regular audits and surprise checks can help maintain safety.

It is vital to work with authorities to ensure a prompt response to reports of abuse and to provide ongoing training and support to staff.

Vulnerable children should be given access to counselling and mental health services so they can better cope with trauma and understand their experiences.

Therefore, it is of great importance to start social initiatives to raise awareness about child protection and the signs of abuse, thus promoting a culture of vigilance and support.

Establish and regularly update child protection policies. Ensure that these policies comply with local laws and best practices for safeguarding.

Create a safe environment where employees and volunteers can report suspicious behavior without fear of reprisal, thereby encouraging accountability.

By implementing these preventive measures, charities can create a safer environment for children, reducing the risk of abuse. Collaboration between organisations, communities and authorities is essential to promote a culture of protection and support for vulnerable children.

These heinous acts of sexual predators must be stopped at all costs. We have a moral obligation and responsibility to protect all vulnerable children as a matter of urgency and priority.

DATUK DR. P. SUNDRAMOORTHY

Criminologist

Centre for Policy Research

Universiti Sains Malaysia