News paper articles

Firstly, before i begin with the new post, i would like to comment on Ratcha's point. I totally agree with the stereotype thinking. However, not only boyfriend though. The same goes with father too. A child, especially girl usually think that the father is the hero in a family. He should protect and guide the family. This is because they get influenced by fairy tales. So when the father physically abuse or even sexually abuse the child, she doesnt know that her father is actually wrong. They keep quite and the scenario keeps on and on.

I found some interesting articles in the newspaper that support all three of our points which are improve parenting skills, increase government involvement and encourage society awareness.

PROTECTING THE CHILD

March 2, 2010, New Straits Times

More importantly, children need to be educated on their rights.”

What are the factors behind child abuse?

“It depends on the type of abuse. Physical abuse, for instance, may take place due to poor parenting skills or high levels of stress.

A parent or a caretaker may be unable to deal with a baby who cries non-stop. There have been a few cases of heartless adults who enjoy abusing children. Sexual abuse is the work of sick individuals. The only way to prevent this type of abuse is to allow no opportunity for it to take place. That is why it is important to teach children about their bodies and how to retaliate when someone violates them. Emotional abuse, on the other hand, is more complex as the signs are not apparent. Such abuse includes verbal abuse. Whatever the nature of abuse, the only way to stop it is to change the way society perceives children. Children are persons in their own rights. They are not merely objects.

For instance, we don’t hit another adult but many parents hit their children as they regard their children as their possession. Some parents say they beat their children to discipline them but research has proven that this is ineffective. You might get the desired effect immediately but the negative effects last a long time. It teaches children that it is okay to hurt other people. There is a fine line between discipline and abuse and it is so easy to cross it.”

What should a child do should he/she be abused?

“Inform a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, counsellor or religious figure. The adult should immediately act upon the complaint no matter how minor it is.”

Are there any laws to protect children against abuse in Malaysia?

“Malaysia ratified the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1995 (CRC) and by doing so has agreed to place children’s rights as paramount consideration.

What can we do to help those who are abused?

“There are a number of NGOs which provide support for the abused — Women’s Aid Organisation and PS the Children, to name a few. I am sure they would welcome volunteers. However, it is more important to ensure that professional counselling is given to the victims. Counselling should also be given to the offender to ensure that he/she does not repeat the offence.”

What can society do to combat child abuse?

“Respect children as individuals with rights.” If adults understand and accept this, abuse against children may decrease. They must also be vigilant. The phrase “jangan jaga tepi kain orang” does not augur well for child protection. If you suspect anything amiss, ask what is happening.

Lastly, be supportive. Neighbours should look out for the children in their neighbourhood. The recent death of the three-year-old who was kicked, stomped and brutally beaten could have been prevented had family members and neighbours raised the alarm.

REPORT CHILD ABUSE OR FACE LAW

March 6, 2010, New Straits times

Under the Child Act, parents and family members, childcare providers and medical practitioners must immediately report children suspected to be physically or emotionally injured as a result of being ill-treated, neglected, abandoned or exposed, or are sexually abused. Should they fail to report such cases, they can be fined a maximum of RM5,000 or jailed not more than two years or both. Teachers, counsellors and the public should also report cases of abuse to the authorities although they are not required to do so.

Shahrizat acknowledged that the law had not been strictly enforced, with no one being charged so far. She wanted the law to cover others as well, such as teachers. "Children, especially students, spend most of their time in school, so perhaps they (teachers) should also be governed by the same provisions under the law."

"We can take the child (victims of abuse) into our care but it is up to the police to go after those who did not report the abuse although they are required by law to do so," she said later when visiting the Taman Sinar Harapan children's home at Bukit Besar here.

footnote by Hanis: if everyone practice "jaga tepi kain sendiri", many and many children get abuse and the abuser gets away. There are many NGO in Malaysia that gives support for the abuse so make used of them. Teachers are also responsible to report any changes in the children even though they are not being paid for that purpose. Do we need to pay salary just to report an abused child? Where are our humanity?