The Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia (FRHAM) is greatly concerned by recent reports of 402 children rescued from welfare homes, where they allegedly endured severe physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
These alarming incidents highlight the critical need for enhanced oversight, regulation, and protection for children in institutional care.
Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, and the abuse these children have endured is unacceptable. We would like to express our profound concerns about the lasting effects of the trauma these children have endured.
There is an urgent need for comprehensive professional support to aid their healing process and recovery from such unimaginable horrors.
The common symptoms exhibited by sexual trauma victims include ruminating thoughts about the abuse, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and intense feelings of shame or guilt.
Many individuals experiencing sexual trauma will develop PTSD, but a lack of support, poor coping skills, and complex trauma can increase the risk.
FRHAM is a longstanding advocate for the need for young people to understand the fundamentals of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), such as the ‘Good Touch, Bad Touch’ principle.
It is our hope that by knowing this, it informs children of their rights and empowers them at the same time.
This recent case highlights the dire need for SRHR education and the equally important enforcement of good SRHR practices in our communities, especially when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable and marginalised groups.
FRHAM fully supports UNICEF’s call for qualified social workers to effectively oversee and regulate welfare homes, as well as for the government to adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward any form of violence, discrimination, or abuse against children.
Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children must be a top national priority. FRHAM is committed to collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and UNICEF to protect children from harm and uphold their rights.
Together, let us ensure that no child suffers in silence.
Dr Kamal Kenny is the chairperson of FRHAM.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
