Unfortunately, we have all heard about cases where young girls are being abused by a family member. It has gotten worse–a recent case reveals two young sisters in Ipoh being sexually abused by not one relative, but several family members. This has sent shock waves throughout Malaysia.
According to an article published on the asiaone website, the two sisters are reportedly only six and eight years old and have been subjected to the sexual abuse by their father, aunt, uncle and grandfather over a number of years.
Drugged, tied up and sexually abused
The parents of the two girls are divorced. The father of the girls would allegedly force his daughters to consume drugs before blindfolding and tying them up at his house. The girls’ grandfather, uncle, aunt and father would then torture and violate the young girls sexually.
The mother of the girls also accused her ex-husbands’ family of organising sex parties. The sexual abuse of the sisters went on for several years and got so bad that the girls’ private parts were damaged.
Mum finally retaliates
The mother remained unaware that her husband and his relatives were sexually abusing her daughters for several years. The truth finally came to light when her daughters groaned about pains afflicting their private parts to a relative.
The mother, a working mother, would normally drop off her daughters with her relative in taiping to take care of them. When the mother found out about the abominable acts, she sent her daughters to the hospital for a medical examination. Medical reports revealed that the older daughter had a torn hymen while the younger one’s private parts were damaged. The mother made a police report on December 27th.
Perak police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Shukri Dahlan, acknowledged that a police report was made against the girl’s father. However he refused to reveal any more details and said in a statement, “We cannot simply arrest anyone and we are in the midst of getting a child expert to get statements from the two girls.” He did add however that the investigation is being inspected under Section 376(b) of the Penal Code for rape.
Moral of the story
Although a police report has been made, the damage has already been done. The sexual abuse by the girls’ own relatives has traumatised them in so many ways it is quite likely they will never be able to fully recover from it. The fact that the sexual abuse took place over a number of years makes the damage even more profound.
Like so many other child abuse cases, this case once again highlights the fact that even your own family members can become sexual abusers. Although it is impossible for most people to understand why these sexual abusers enjoy such incestuous behaviour, it doesn’t rule out the fact that sexual abuse by family members do happen.
5 tips to identify or prevent child abuse
With this in mind, it is thus important to watch out for signs of child abuse and take steps to prevent it. Here are 5 tips you should take note of.
1. Educate your child
According to an article on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website, it is essential that you teach your child the importance of protecting the privacy of their private parts. They should be clear that no one else is allowed to touch their private parts without their consent.
2. Listen to your child
No matter how absurd it sounds, listen to your child when they confide in you about being abused no matter how preposterous it may appear. Child abusers are often people your child knows personally including relatives, teachers and family friends.
3. Watch out for the danger signs
A child that has been sexually abused will often exhibit behavioural symptoms. These include reclusive behaviour, deteriorating performance in school, depression, anxiety or self-destructive behaviour. If your child displays several or many of these behaviours, then warning bells should ringing out loud.
4. Seek advice
If you are unsure, ask. Ask for advice or information from the police, social services or school counsellors.
5. Communicate
Communication is key and you should maintain an open relationship with your child where your child will feel comfortable talking to you about sex. This increases the likelihood that they will confide in you when they get subjected to sexual abuse.
Source