The aim of this review was to summarise published literature on child abuse and neglect and its consequences in Malaysia, to discuss the implications of the research findings and to identify gaps in the local literature on child abuse and neglect. Medical and social literature in the English language published between the year 2000 to 2015 were searched for, resulting in forty four papers to be reviewed inclusive of a few key papers in the earlier years to provide some background information. The literature shows that child abuse and neglect is an important impact factor on mental health outcomes, involvement in substance abuse and delinquency due to the slant of the research interest from social studies. At least 70% of perpetrators are known to the affected children according to school-based prevalence studies. Safety programs and rehabilitation outcome studies involve small cohort groups. Studies on childhood mortality from child abuse or neglect are very limited. Overall, there are a few comprehensive studies involving school children but overall available studies are too patchy in to advocate for resource allocation, change in statutory procedures or training requirements. More extensive studies looking at the complex interaction of social environment, parenting skills, societal attitudes and responses, resilience factors and child safety nets and statutory response and their impact on different types of abuse or neglect are required.
Child Abuse

Objectives: There is limited information on the demographics of female perpetrators of child abuse hence its profile was described utilizing the records collected at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital Child Protection Unit from January 2008-December 2018. Methods: A retrospective review of the electronic records using the Child Protection Management Information System (CPMIS) database was done using descriptive and inferential analyses. Total enumeration was done for the descriptive analysis and categorical data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Inferential analysis using chi-squared analysis or Fisher’s exact probability test was used using a minimum sample size computed using power analysis Results: A total of 983 female perpetrators were reported, mostly belonging to the age group of 25-34 years old (23%). They were more frequently a close relative to the victim (47.3%). Half (50%) of the perpetrators had history of substance abuse, and 65.5% witnessed family violence. Criminal history (99.8%) and occupation (46.7%) were mostly unknown. The types of abuse committed were mostly physical (36%) followed by sexual abuse (34.9%). Inferential analysis of the data suggested that the demographic variables associated with physical abuse were age group, relationship, and history of substance abuse. Meanwhile, age group, relationship, and occupation were associated with sexual abuse. Conclusion Although we see a greater number of male perpetrators, it cannot be denied that female perpetrators can also cause harm to the vulnerable population. It is alarming to note that majority of them are close relatives to the victim. Data from the study can help raise awareness and increase vigilance on possible at-risk population.
Child Abuse

Objectives: This study used a descriptive, qualitative design to explore the local understanding of child discipline and analyze the important link between parental discipline and child abuse. Methods: Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted with parents, children, local leaders, and professionals in 6 rural communities in the Philippines. The respondents were asked which corrective behaviors they would consider acceptable or abusive to children by showing them a list of disciplinary acts. Results: The results showed an adequate understanding of the purpose and intent of child discipline. Children are generally disciplined to teach them good values, mold and shape their characters and equip them with a moral sense of right and wrong. Child discipline is considered already harmful if: the child sustains physical injuries and psychological pain; the disciplinary action is not commensurate to the offense committed by the child and is used frequently and repetitively, without any valid reason; when sensitive body parts such as the head are involved, and when the disciplinary action is not appropriate to the age, gender, physical and mental status of the child. Among the various types of disciplinary acts, counseling, beating or spanking, and withdrawing or reducing school allowance were considered most acceptable. Hanging, burning, and scalding were the most unacceptable or abusive disciplinary behaviors. Compared to parents, professionals, and local leaders, children were more lenient as they regarded certain inappropriate behaviors by adults as somewhat tolerable. Conclusion Despite having an adequate understanding of the purpose and intent of child discipline, there is still a need to educate parents, children, and local leaders about when a disciplinary act becomes harmful to children. Community stakeholders should also be informed about how and where to report the abuse once it is identified.
Child Abuse

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical profile of prepubertal and pubertal female child sexual abuse. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study involving 43 sexually abused children was done. Each patient was categorized as prepubertal or pubertal based on the Tanner stage. Medical history was gathered using a structured interview and physical examination done with proper documentation after obtaining consent. Blind review by child protection specialists was done on genital images. Descriptive statistics were utilized for all variables. Results: This study showed 11.97% and 22.22% prevalence for prepubertal and pubertal child sexual abuse, respectively. Most prepubertal children disclosed digital vaginal penetration by the father and non-relative household members, while most pubertal children reported penile-vaginal penetration by the boyfriend. Fondling was common to both groups. The majority were repeated abuse and usually happened at the perpetrator’s house. Behavioral changes and genital symptoms were common in prepubertal children. Findings of hymenal trauma were found in 25% of prepubertal girls and half of the pubertal adolescents. The interobserver variability of these hymenal findings was fair. The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was low, none for the prepubertal children, and only 6% of the adolescent had STI, which was Hepatitis B. Conclusion The clinical profile of sexually abused prepubertal children differed from that of pubertal adolescents. There was a higher incidence of hymenal trauma and STIs in adolescents.
Child Abuse, Sexual

No abstract available.
Child ; Child Abuse* ; Child* ; Humans

Child Abuse ; Child, Preschool ; Humans

PURPOSE: This study was done to provide basic data for sexual abuse prevention programs for elementary school students by comparing stated needs of the students and teachers. METHODS: The participants were 4th, 5th, and 6th grade elementary school students and elementary school teachers. Data from questionnaires completed by 1,372 students and 162 teachers were analyzed. RESULTS: 1) The mean scores for felt need for sexual abuse prevention education was relatively high in both of the elementary school student and teacher groups but there was a significant difference between the two groups (t=15.28, p<.001). 2) In the elementary school students, there was a significant difference in the degree of need for sexual abuse prevention education according to father's educational level (t=2.89, p=.004), experience of sexual education (t=3.11, p=.006), and recognition of the necessity of sexual abuse education (t=7.56, p<.001). 3) In the elementary school teachers, there was no significant difference in the degree of need for sexual abuse prevention education according to the participants' socio-demographic and sexual abuse prevention education related characteristics. CONCLUSION: When planning educational programs on child sexual abuse prevention, needs of the elementary school students should be considered. Then, the educational program at school would be more effective.
Child ; Child Abuse ; Child Abuse, Sexual ; Education* ; Humans ; Sex Offenses*

No abstract available.
Child ; Child Abuse, Sexual* ; Child* ; Humans ; Periodicals*

Child ; Child Abuse ; prevention & control ; Humans

The growing problem of child sexual abuse (CSA) in the country has led the government to establish a set of standards for the delivery of hospital-based services to the survivors, in order to ensure that their needs are addressed promptly and effectively. Hence, the establishment of Women and Children Protection Units (WCPU) in all Department of Health (DOH) hospitals was mandated through a department administrative order.1 However, many WCPUs across the country are beset with problems such as inadequate facilities and equipment, and a scarcity of full-time service providers with proper training to handle survivors of CSA.2 These problems impede the delivery of optimal services required in managing clients in the WCPU.
Child Abuse, Sexual ; Survivor ; Child ; Female