Child abuse is a deeply unsettling issue that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Yet, its recent prevalence in Malaysia has cast a glaring spotlight on the urgent need for societal intervention.
Reports of physical violence inflicted on babies and toddlers by babysitters and incidents of sexual violence against children in residential schools have dominated the headlines.
Last year, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said according to statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), 5,401 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in 2023 alone.
This is presumably just the tip of the iceberg, with many more cases going unreported.
Beyond the immediate physical injuries, the psychological wounds inflicted by such acts of cruelty often run deep, leaving scars that may last a lifetime.
Psychological impact
Childhood is a critical period for emotional, cognitive and social development.
Abuse during this formative stage can have devastating consequences on a child’s mental health. The effects vary depending on the type, duration and severity of abuse.
Victims of physical or sexual abuse frequently develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), characterised by intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
These symptoms can persist until adulthood and impair their ability to lead normal lives.
Chronic feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness are prevalent among abuse survivors. Many also experience heightened anxiety, which may manifest as social withdrawal or irrational fears.
Emotional abuse, in particular, can erode a child’s self-worth, making them vulnerable to negative self-perceptions and self-blame.
Abused children also often struggle to form healthy relationships due to mistrust and fear of betrayal. This can hinder their ability to connect with others as they grow older.
Exposure to abuse increases the likelihood of aggression, delinquency, and substance abuse as maladaptive coping mechanisms.
The ripple effect
The repercussions of child abuse extend beyond the individual victims.
Families, schools and communities often grapple with the fallout.
Abuse disrupts familial relationships, with parents experiencing guilt and siblings feeling neglected.
In cases where the abuser is a family member, trust within the family unit is shattered.
Children subjected to abuse often underperform academically due to concentration difficulties and emotional distress.
Therefore, the long-term effects of abuse, such as mental health disorders and unemployment, place a significant burden on healthcare and social welfare systems.
Cultural and societal factors
In Malaysia, our cultural and societal factors exacerbate the issue of child abuse.
Mental health remains a taboo subject among all communities in our country.
Victims and their families often refrain from seeking psychological help due to fear of judgement or social ostracisation.
In residential schools and other institutional settings, hierarchical structures can foster environments where abuse goes unchecked.
Victims may feel powerless to report their abusers, fearing retaliation or disbelief.
Many Malaysians, particularly in rural areas, lack awareness about child rights and the signs of abuse. This ignorance allows abusive behaviour to persist undetected.
Although Malaysia has laws to protect children, enforcement is often inconsistent, and cases may languish in the judicial system, discouraging victims from coming forward.
Prevention and intervention
Tackling child abuse requires a multi-layered approach that combines preventive measures, early intervention, and long-term support for survivors.
Nationwide campaigns can educate communities about the signs of abuse, the importance of reporting, and available support services.
Nancy has rightly advised people to report suspected cases of abuse to the police or her Ministry’s Talian Kasih at 15999.
“Don’t just record videos for social media; report it to us,” she urged.
Enforcing mandatory reporting laws for educators, healthcare providers and childcare workers can help identify and address abuse early.
Parents, too, need to be equipped with skills to manage stress and discipline their children positively to reduce the risk of abuse at home.
The prosecuting agency must ensure that perpetrators face swift and severe consequences that can act as a deterrent.
This is also important in order to gain public confidence.
Establishing child-friendly counselling centres across the country can provide accessible psychological support for victims.
Hotlines, staffed by trained professionals such Talian Kasih or the Health Ministry’s Talian Heal 15555 can offer immediate assistance to children in distress.
Residential schools and childcare facilities should undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with child protection standards.
Safeguarding those who report abuse through whistleblower protections within such institutions can encourage more individuals to come forward.
Introducing mental health education in schools can empower children to understand their emotions and seek help when needed.
Teachers, too, can benefit from capacity building.
Several schools in Malaysia have benefited from the Mental Health First Aid Course for teachers, implemented by the Malaysian Mental Health Association.
Nancy, known to work quietly and efficiently without much fanfare, has to be congratulated for launching the “Love for Children” Advocacy Programme in Schools.
Late last year, she announced, “We targeted 300 schools and have reached 109%. We will not stop implementing this programme because there are more than 10,000 schools in Malaysia.”
She further added, “As long as there are reported cases of sexual harassment of children, we will not stop, especially with the advancement of technology; there are many ways for sexual harassment to occur.”
She explained that the programme aimed to enhance children’s understanding of situations involving those who need care and protection.
“That is where we give children the opportunity to learn what they should do if something happens to them or someone they know,” she said.
In addition to schools, collaborating with religious and community leaders to destigmatise mental health can foster a supportive environment for survivors.
Road to recovery
For survivors of child abuse, recovery is a long and challenging journey that requires a robust support system.
Mental health professionals play a crucial role in this process by providing Trauma-Focused Therapy.
Besides routine psychological support, techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help survivors process traumatic memories and rebuild their self-esteem.
Peer-led support groups offer survivors a safe space to share their experiences and learn from others who have walked similar paths.
Involving families is also important as family therapy can address relational dynamics and help rebuild trust within the household.
Child abuse is not merely a personal tragedy.
It is a societal failure that demands immediate attention.
Malaysians must collectively commit to creating a safer environment for our children.
This involves challenging cultural norms perpetuating silence, advocating for stronger legal protections, and ensuring that mental health support is accessible to all.
By addressing child abuse from a mental health perspective, we can not only heal the silent scars of survivors but also prevent future generations from enduring similar trauma.
Every child deserves to grow up in a world where they feel safe, loved and valued.
Efforts to curb child abuse and sexual crimes against children should not rest solely with the government.
All parties, including individuals, communities, private sector organisations and civil society can play a role in in ensuring our children are not subjected to abuse.
Let us work together to make this vision a reality.
Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj is a consultant psychiatrist, the Malaysian Mental Health Association president and Taylor’s University Impact Lab on Mental Health & Wellbeing director. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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