Children rescued from GISBH face PTSD and higher risk of mental health problems – experts

(Image: MEDIA MULIA/File)

KUALA LUMPUR – The children, who suffered horrific abuse in the care homes associated with GISBH, were trampled, pressed on their chests, pinched on their noses and mercilessly beaten with sticks. They remained silent witnesses to the continued persecution until their rescue.

Even more despicable and disgusting, some of the 572 victims rescued in Op Global after the revelation of the GISBH scandal, including children and teenagers, were sodomized from a young age. To make matters worse, all victims were denied the opportunity to receive an education, casting a dark shadow over their future.

Commenting on the case, child psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli said the rescued children are at greater risk of mental health problems due to long-term traumatic experiences from a young age, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dr. Contacted by Bernama, Noor Aishah, director of CPC International, a psychology clinic, explained that the act of isolating the children from the outside world since childhood, coupled with physical and sexual abuse, aggravated the situation and possibly led to stunted growth. their brain development.

“This situation has the potential to disrupt cognitive development, preventing the formation of social and life skills, leaving the children without the ability to think critically and solve problems.

“It seems that they do not know their own life story because they have been separated from their origins since childhood, leaving them deprived of family roots. This can lead to immediate consequences such as depression, anxiety, loss of self-confidence, low self-esteem and even confusion about their identity and religious beliefs,” she explains.

She added that the situation is heartbreaking and efforts to help these children recover must be comprehensive, involving not only psychologists, but also medical experts, counselors and religious scholars, as their faith must also be taken into account held.

Dr. Noor Aishah emphasized that professional help is crucial in the ‘rebirth’ of children who have been isolated from the real world for a long time.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rahima Dahlan @ Mohd Shafie that the recovery process for these children requires sustained efforts and a careful, consistent approach, with support from all parties, including community members.

The child and adolescent psychiatry consultant at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, noted that this process can take years depending on the level of trauma each victim experiences.

“Some of the best treatment methods include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy and rehabilitation through formal education and socialization.

“There is also a need for support through foster families or mentors who can provide love and emotional support, as well as social integration programs that enable these children to rebuild their self-confidence and social skills,” she said.

To prevent similar cases from recurring, she recommended stricter enforcement of laws related to child exploitation and stressed the need to raise public awareness on the issue.

“Child protection laws should be expanded to include monitoring institutions or groups that do not comply with laws regarding children’s rights,” she added.

Earlier, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad indicated that the Ministry of Health is assessing the mental health of the rescued children at risk.

Dr. Rahima stated that although the affected children are receiving counseling, the associated statistics and their mental health status are still not available.

Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek also announced that from yesterday the ministry will take over the educational aspects for the children rescued through Op Global by using a special module in their current shelters.

She said all children, who have never received formal education, undergo assessments including the three basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as psychosocial evaluations. — BERNAMA