LETTERS: Close to 3,000 child abuse and neglect cases have been recorded since January this year, said the Social Welfare Department.
Statistics from the department show that parents were the main culprits.
Step-parents, boyfriends and relatives were also perpetrators.
All the abuses were committed at home. Many people do not know what to do or whom to call when they come across child abuse cases.
And many people do not want to get involved with the police and face the legal repercussions.
They do not want to be perceived as nosing into other people's affairs. People must be told that everyone has a responsibility to stop child abuse.
The screams and cries of a child at night should spur neighbours to act.
The public must be informed about procedures and avenues to address child abuse. A child is unable to voice his grievance and suffering and is incapable of seeking help.
Child abuse cases have amplified the need for people to be "busybodies".
Teachers, neighbours, family members, doctors and childcare providers must be the eyes and ears of the authorities.
Even the smallest suspicion of child abuse should be reported to the police or the welfare authorities.
No child should be abused.
SAMUEL YESUIAH
Seremban
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
