A crime watch body, Kuala Lumpur Crime Prevention Practitioners Association (KLCPPA), stated that following the Covid 19 pandemic, there were child abuse cases almost everyday while there are also cases that go unreported.

The association stated that this is a cause for concern and usually most of the abusers have a close relationship with the victims such as parents, guardians, family members or those who are connected in some way to them.

Not only is abuse of a child in relation to physical, sexual or emotional factors but it goes beyond that to include a lack of love, care and attention or indifference or apathy to a child’s growing up needs.

But what KLCPPA findings unearthed was that a main cause of abuse stems from household financial problems where parents consider that their children are a heavy burden requiring much of their depleted resources.

Other factors include the abuser being a victim of abuse when young that contributes to this pressing issue or arguments between parents leading to a crisis or stress in the family that is usually recurring.

This is why the association is seeking to create awareness and preventive care which are essential tools in recognizing warning signs that are looming so that intervention and counselling can be given by caregivers.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE