Children can suffer serious harm if they are physically abused by family members or those entrusted with the responsibility of looking after them.
It is our collective responsibility to recognise the possibility of child abuse and report such instances.
Physical abuse occurs when a parent or any person responsible for the care of a child applies a non-accidental force on a child’s body and hurts the child.
Examples include:
- Hitting with bare hands or objects.
- Slapping, pinching, punching, pushing and/or kicking.
- Pulling their hair or shaking the child violently.
- Causing burns with hot objects or liquids.
- Applying potentially painful or harmful substances like chilli in the mouth or on the lips.
- Locking them within a confined space.
- Placing them in uncomfortable positions.
- Deliberately depriving them of food or water.
Such circumstances include:
- An adult who is unable to cope with the care of a child.
- An adult under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Young and inexperienced parents.
- The presence of family members with untreated mental health conditions.
- Stress due to overwork, financial difficulties, deprivation of sleep and/or lack of support.
- Family quarrels that turn violent.
- Drastic changes in home or family circumstances.
In general, young children and children who are poorly supervised are at a higher risk of physical abuse.
The smaller the child, the higher the risk of serious injuries.
The most common injuries are on the skin, such as bruises, cuts or burns.
Some children may have broken bones.
Babies who are shaken violently or suffer blows to their head can develop internal bleeding that results in death or permanent brain damage.
Blows to the abdomen can rupture internal organs such as the liver or intestines.
Children who are physically abused can also end up suffering from long-term psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, learning problems, poor self-confidence, aggressive and antisocial behaviour, well into their adulthood.
Such steps include:
- Making sure your children are properly supervised.
- Knowing your child’s caregivers.
Take your baby for a check-up if he/she has bruises after returning from child care.
- Listening to children if they tell you that someone is hitting them. Don’t wait until they suffer injuries.
- Building a supportive network among family, friends and neighbours.
- Not responding to your child in anger – calm yourself before taking any action to correct a child’s behaviour.
- Getting help or counselling if you have problems, such as anger issues or substance abuse.
Make a report via Talian Nur 15999 (run by the Social Welfare Department) or to the police for sexual and/or physical abuse cases.
You can also report the case at the one-stop crisis centre in public hospitals.
Make sure you provide details such as the name of the child, their location and the reason(s) for suspecting abuse.
Doctors, family members and caregivers are required by law to report the matter if they are aware that a child has been abused.
Dr Mary J. Marret is a consultant paediatrician. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please 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. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. 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.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
