Freeing our children from the shackles of abuse this Merdeka – Dr. Rabi’ah Al-Adawiyah Rahmat, Dr. Amir Hazwan Abdul Rahim

EARLIER This month our unit received a referral from police for an age assessment in a case of alleged abuse.

Riya and Mira (not their real names), both under the age of six, were abandoned by their mother shortly after their father was incarcerated for a drug offense. Left in a filthy, run-down home without food or supplies, their plight prompted a concerned neighbor to call the authorities.

During their hospital stay, Riya and Mira revealed alleged daily physical assaults by their mother. Visible scars on their faces and bodies confirmed their claims. Despite these accusations, the sisters managed to smile and laugh, seemingly unaware of the betrayal by the person who was supposed to love them. Sadly, this was not our first encounter with such a case.

Riya and Mira are among the thousands of children reported as victims of abuse and neglect in Malaysia each year. The Ministry of Health Malaysia defines child abuse as physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, negligent acts and various forms of exploitation. Statistics have shown a consistent upward trend in reported cases over the years.

In 2023, the Department of Social Affairs handled at least 5,000 cases of child abuse, mainly involving physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Although these victims received the necessary protection, the abuse they endured had negative consequences for their mental health, well-being and long-term psychological development. Alarmingly, many cases of child abuse go unreported.

Childhood experiences crucially shape our behavior and who we become. The environment we grow up in influences many aspects of our lives, and childhood challenges can have a major impact on a child’s mental and emotional well-being.

Child abuse is associated with a variety of psychological problems and psychiatric disorders, including depression, aggression, hostility, anger, anxiety, fear, and personality disorders.

According to a study published in 2013, children, especially boys, may express these emotions through physical aggression and verbal bullying. Girls, on the other hand, may internalize their feelings, leading to depression and social withdrawal.

Abused children are more likely to display physical or verbal aggression later in life, perpetuating a never-ending cycle of abuse. These individuals are at greater risk for developing social problems such as smoking, drug abuse, and gang involvement.

According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children (American SPCC), children who are abused or neglected are about nine times more likely to become involved in criminal activity later in life.

There is also a strong statistical link between child abuse and parental substance abuse. In 2019, the percentage of child abuse victims with caregivers who abused alcohol or other substances increased, indicating that children in these environments are at greater risk of developing similar behaviors as they grow older.

Fortunately, all is not lost. As we celebrate our 67th Independence Day, we remain hopeful and encourage every Malaysian to be vigilant for signs of abuse that may be present in the community.

We urge everyone to be alert to warning signs and be courageous enough to stand up against injustice.

Thanks to Riya and Mira’s vigilant neighbour, they are here today to share their stories. Every child deserves a healthy and nurturing upbringing. Our collective responsibility is to protect and ensure a safe, healthy environment as we strive for a better Malaysia.

A True Merdeka Malaysia. – August 29, 2024

Dr. Rabi’ah Al-Adawiyah Rahmat and Dr. Amir Hazwan Abdul Rahim are specialists in forensic dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya

The post Freeing Our Children from the Shackles of Abuse This Merdeka – Dr. Rabi’ah Al-Adawiyah Rahmat, Dr. Amir Hazwan Abdul Rahim appeared first on Scoop.