5 things Malaysians should know about child sexual abuse

IT is disheartening that Malaysians are confronted by the ugly truth about child sexual abuse, a crime officials preferred not to discuss openly until recently.

The fact remains that social attitudes are shifting; it is no longer taboo to discuss the problem.

Here, Astro AWANI shares some FAQs about child sexual abuse:

1. What is it?

Any sexual activities with a child is considered child sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse include touching and non-touching acts.

2. Who are the culprits?

- In most cases, the culprits the people we know, and could even be the people we care the most.

- They can be the fathers, mothers, stepparents, grandparents, and other family members: or they are our neighbours, babysitters, teachers, coaches or anyone else who has close connection with our offspring.

[INFOGRAPHIC]: Myths and facts about child sexual abuse

3. Signs of possible sexual abuse

• Nightmares, sleep problems, extreme fears without an obvious explanation;
• Sudden or unexplained personality changes and becomes increasingly secretive;
• An older child behaving like a younger child (for example, bed wetting of thumb-sucking);
• Develops fear of certain places or resists being alone with an adult or young person for unknown reasons;
• Shows resistance to routine bathing, toileting or removing clothes even in appropriate situations;
• Stomach aches or illness, often with no identifiable reason;
• Leaves clues that could provoke a discussion about sexual issues;
• Uses new words for body parts;
• Engages in adult-like sexual activities with toys, objects or other children;
• Intentionally harms himself or herself; and
• Develops physical symptoms such as unexplained soreness, pain or bruises around genital or mouth, sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy

4. Prevention Methods

• Speak up! An open conversation about sexual abuse is the beginning of keeping children safe;
• Talk openly with your children so they feel safe to talk to you if someone approaches them sexually;
• Acknowledge that every child has the right to say NO! If they don’t want to be touched. It’s important for children to own their bodies. That Includes greeting relatives and friends with hugs or kisses;
• Be a calm listener and encourage your child to share their secret; and.
• Create a safety plan for your children and family

5. What to do if you suspect abuse

• The signs listed on the left could indicate any number of disturbances, not necessarily child sexual abuse;
• The first thing to do is to talk to your child calmly, and listen without judgement;
• If your child is unable open up, consider taking them to a child psychologist who could introduce play therapy to find out what is bothering your child; and
• If a case of abuse is confirmed, you could get in touch with an organisation that could guide you through the process of reporting and therapy.