A WANITA MCA leader has expressed concern over the staggering rise in the number of suspects aged 18 and below involved in sexual offences, especially when the perpetrators themselves are reported to have been victims before.
According to Wanita MCA national chairperson Wong You Fong, a scenario where a victim becomes the aggressor suggests a normalisation of sexual abuse, resulting in victims presuming and given the erroneous impression that sex crimes are acceptable and are a common practice.
“It is important that parents or guardians of minors inculcate in them the difference between acceptable and non-acceptable bodily touches by anyone be that person an immediate relative or friend,” she stressed in a statement on Monday (April 8).
“Children need to be taught to distinguish between terms and touches of endearment and affection (embrace), and manipulative, intimate touches at the nether places or other areas and other forms of uncomfortable hugs.”
Wong said while safeguarding children against underaged sexual offences, parents, guardians or caregivers also need to instill in minors that such deeds cannot be committed against other young persons of the same age group and even on infants and adults.
“As the police have highlighted that the misuse of social media becomes a gateway for abused kids to turn perpetrator, parents and guardians need to switch on or install safeguards on their electronic devices,” she noted.
“While parents and guardians may not always have the spare time to monitor the websites their offsprings or wards are surfing owing to work pressures and commitments, it is still a necessity to find the time and be aware and alert when children surf age-inappropriate contents.”
Wong further pointed out that similarly, if any child or adolescent relates about uncertainties or trauma of incestuous relationships, the adult needs to give that minor the confidence and trust to openly air whatever has occurred without judgement.
“Gone are the days when kids or even adults are told to zip their lips when any type of sexual abuse or exploitation has happened to salvage their dignity and reputation, while the predator roams unfettered to stalk another prey,” she remarked.
Not a choice
Wong went on to suggest that the government and relevant authorities establish go-to counselling centres in more central locations and even the outskirts to enable counselling and recovery which is a safe avenue easily accessible for both adult carers and child victims.
“Wanita MCA also urges the Child Development Department (JPKK) which was established by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry on September 1, 2023 and tasked with child development and protection issues in general, to pay particular attention to the astounding growth of underaged persons who commit sexual abuse against other minors,” Wong said.
“As social media postings can become viral easily while sexual offences against children is a very worrisome issue in society, the JPKK needs formulate strategic plans and execute solutions to tackle child sex fiends.
“The society needs to be mindful that the actual figures are actually higher compared to the statistics cited in The Star report dated April 8, 2024 are based on cases reported by the Bukit Aman CID Sexual, Women and Children Crime Investigation Division.
“We would not be in the know of the precise number of sexual abuses which go unreported. Hence, preventing normalisation of child abuse in any form is a pressing need and not a choice.”
The Star reported Bukit Aman CID Sexual, Women and Children Crime Investigation Division (D11) principal assistant director Senior Asst Comm Siti Kamsiah Hassan as saying that there were 912 sexual crime cases recorded last year involving suspects aged below 18.
These included 601 rape cases, outraging modesty (17), unnatural sex (18), sexual harassment (23) and distribution or possession of obscene materials (three).
SAC Siti Kamsiah also said 20 underaged suspects were involved in attempts to use a child for child pornography.
“We also recorded 215 physical sexual assault on children cases, nine non-physical sexual assault as well as five grooming cases involving underaged suspects,” she said. – April 8, 2024
