Call for help, stop child abuse

THERE are at least two cases of child abuse a day in Malaysia.

In the last eight months, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s Talian Kasih hotline received 524 calls on child abuse cases. That’s, on average, two calls a day.

But that is only the tip of the iceberg.

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According to the CRIB Foundation (Child Rights Innovation and Betterment), the Talian Kasih hotline is underutilised.

There are still many cases going unreported as many are still unaware of what they can do to help stop child abuse, said CRIB Foundation co-chairperson Srividhya Ganapathy.

When people encounter suspected cases of child abuse, such as when they see a child being left in the car for hours at the parking lot or when they hear their neighbour’s kid crying non-stop at all hours of the day, many don’t know who to call or what will happen if they call, said Srividhya.

This includes sexual offences against children, which are also underreported according to the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

Hence, more needs to be done not only to inform the public about the avenues for assistance available but also to empower the children themselves to seek help when they need it.

As Azalina stressed, people need to realise that sexual offences and abuses against children do not just involve the victim or other children, but society at large.

In Malaysia we already have a helpline system available: the public can contact Talian Kasih through the toll-free line 15999 and the WhatsApp application at 019 2615999.

We not only need to use it, it is also the law.

Individuals who are aware of sexual abuse involving children but fail to lodge a police report can be fined up to RM5,000 under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, if found guilty.

To curb sexual offences against children, enforcement measures need to be aggressive and firm Azalina said.

The authorities should then charge those close to the victims, like teachers and neighbours, who may be aware of such occurrences, under Section 19 of the Act.

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has also established 140 Child Protection Team (PPKK), 133 Child Welfare Team and 142 Children’s Activity Centres to be its “eyes and ears.”

Every call made to Talian Kasih and any reports made will be investigated by a child protector from the ministry who will then determine the complaint’s validity.

If it is proven that the child needs care and protection or is neglected by the mother, father or guardian, then the protector will act to save the child.

Everyone has a responsibility to help stop child abuse and prevent sexual violence against children from happening.

We need to report if we see or suspect something, because being “nosy” can just save an abused child.