Don’t stay silent on abuse, Rina urges public

 

Voicing support: Rina meeting with disabled children during a visit to a government-run centre in Negri Sembilan. — Bernama

SEREMBAN: Seventeen children were abused a day on average in the first four months of this year, said Datuk Seri Rina Harun.

The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said almost 35% of the 2,040 cases involved neglect while almost 30% were victims of physical and sexual abuse.

“The victims in the bulk of the cases were abused by their own family members including their parents and guardians.

“We understand that many of these perpetrators may be emotionally disturbed or simply frustrated probably due to matters like job loss because of the pandemic but they should never take it out on their children,” she said after visiting a 13-year-old girl with Down Syndrome at a government-run centre here, who is believed to be a victim of abuse.

Rina said the community must be sensitive and report these to the authorities so that appropriate action can be taken.

She said last year, 5,836 cases were reported. In 2019, there were 6,382 cases and 6,274 (2018).

She appealed to the public to call the ministry’s 15999 toll-free line or send a WhatsApp message at 019-261 5999 or to contact the police if they came across such cases.

They can also report child abuse at any of the 108 district Welfare Department offices nationwide.

On the 13-year-old girl believed to have been abused, Rina said appropriate action should be taken against those responsible.

“I met the victim a while ago and she is still traumatised.

“It is my hope that the police can wrap up their probe soon and if there is proof of abuse, then those responsible must be dealt with accordingly,” she said.

On Tuesday, Kuala Lumpur CID chief Senior Asst Comm Saiful Annuar Yusoff said police had opened an investigation paper over the abuse of the teenager following a report received on June 24.

The victim, he said, had burn marks on her chest, hand, neck and thighs as well as other injuries.

Medical examinations conducted at Hospital Kuala Lumpur showed that she had an infected burn wound on her forearm and multiple old scars all over her body, and that she also tested positive for Covid-19.

A police probe showed that six more children lived with the victim at a condominium unit in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur. However, they were not harmed.

A 28-year-old female caretaker is currently under investigation.

Rina said the victim used to live at a government-run home but was allowed to be cared for by an individual who wanted to be her guardian.

“When the girl was able to eat, bathe and take care of herself, we agreed to allow her to be taken care of by the individual who was qualified and eligible to do so.

“In February, our officers visited her and she was fine,” she said, adding that the department only knew of the case when a recording of the victim went viral.

Rina said the NGO which operated the home where the children lived had, prior to this, submitted an application to be registered. - Star

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