In a horrifying case, it has been alleged that underage boys are being sexually abused in an orphanage in Malacca by the very officers who are supposed to protect them.
The case
According to reports by The Star Malaysia and AsiaOne, an NGO has claimed that more underage boys are being sexually abused in a government home for boys in Durian Daun, Malacca. This comes after three of the boys aged 13 and 14 lodged police reports alleging they were ordered to masturbate in front of a senior official who subsequently fondled their private parts.
Not the first time
The allegations follows earlier reports of senior officials in the home involved in sodomising and sexually abusing over 150 underage residents of the home.
According to Deputy MCA (Malaysian Chinese Association) public services and complaints bureau chief Dr Yee Kok Wa, these same officials who were implicated last July are still serving in the home.
Malaysian Welfare and Social Organisation (Perbak) president Muhammad Khairul Hafiz is looking seriously into this case and have expressed his disappointment about the lack of action being taken on these officers. He says, ” The officials have become more brazen as no action has been taken despite multiple police reports.”
According to the latest news reports in Yahoo!, investigations into the allegations are ongoing by both the police department and the Malacca Welfare Department.
Why it’s shocking
Whenever something like this happens, it sends shockwaves through society. Firstly, because it is the children who are being abused and secondly, the abusers are the very people who are supposed to look after their welfare and paid to do so as well.
Unreported
It is important to remember that for every case that gets reported, there are many others that don’t as victims are too ashamed, scared, lost, guilty to tell someone that they are being abused. This is especially the case for sexual abuse. Thus, as a parent or guardian, it is imperative to look out for signs of any types of abuse.
Knowing the signs
Here are some signs that could indicate sexual abuse, but remember that this not necessarily proof of it, thus as a parent or guardian, if you do notice these signs, it is best to approach your child or ward and broach the topic gently.
- Showing unusually aggressive behavior toward family, friends, pets and even toys.
- Complaining of pain while urinating or having a bowel movement.
- Exhibiting symptoms of genital infections or symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease.
- Evidence of physical traumas to the genital or anal area.
- Beginning wetting the bed suddenly. (especially for older children)
- A drastic change in eating habits.
- Showing unusual fear of a certain place or location.
- Engaging in persistent sexual play with friends, toys or pets.
- Acting much older or younger than their actual stage of development.
