THERE has been a surge in child abuse cases.
According to the Social Welfare Department, about 3,000 child abuse and neglect cases have been recorded since January this year.
Being weaker, children have been victims of various forms of abuse – physical, emotional, mental and sexual abuse.
Statistics from the department reveal shocking results that parents were the main culprits responsible for child abuse.
Step-parents, boyfriends and relatives were also perpetrators involved in child abuse.
And all of these were committed in homes.
Many, especially neighbours were shocked and appalled when they came to know about it.
Neighbours should come forward and report cases of child abuse occurring to the relevant authorities.
The continuous screams and cries of a child at night should spur the neighbours to act.
Unfortunately, many neighbours choose to mind their own business and do not want to interfere, playing “deaf and blind” to the cries and wails of small children.
Men and women who are alcoholics and drug addicts are prone to exhibit violent tendencies toward their children.
Children below four years old have no avenue to express their suffering and abuse, and their cries for help are mostly unheard and they suffer in silence.
It is only when the child goes into a state of unconsciousness due to prolonged infliction of physical abuse and violence that the child is rushed to the hospital.
Child abuse cases have amplified the need for people to be concerned and to interfere while being vigilant and alert to any form of neglect and abuse.
Neighbours must be the eyes and ears of authorities.
Even the smallest suspicion of child abuse should be reported to the police or welfare authorities. No child should be abused.
Samuel Yesuiah
Seremban
