Educating children on safe touch to prevent abuse

KUCHING: Government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will continue to collaborate to educate children, especially those in schools, on safe-touch practices.

Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said understanding safe-touch is crucial for children to recognize when adults touch them inappropriately, whether with or without consent.

“This is because, rape cases among the minors (children) given by the data that was shared by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) usually came from those who are close to them and this is truly a concerning one.

“Under our Ministry, which consists of the Social Welfare Department (SWD), Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS), we will explain to the children that they have the right to refuse unwanted touches,” she said when met by reporters after conducting the sacrificial meat distribution in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration at her residence in Petra Jaya today (June 17).

Fatimah (first right) handing over ‘duit raya’ to the recipients.

Fatimah (first right) distributes the ‘korban’ meat to the recipients.

She further added that the related parties will use graphic photos and other tools to explain what constitutes safe touch.

Fatimah was alluding to the rise of rape cases among minor believed to be due to the increase access of pornography on social media.

“Education is important so that the children understand the difference between friendly and safe hug and touch, especially among adult family members alongside sensitive body parts that cannot be touched.

“Once the children finally understand, should they get into some trouble, they can make a report to their trusted teachers,” she added.

Fatimah also mentioned that teachers are trained to detect signs of abuse, such as significant changes in a child’s behaviour, from being happy to becoming moody.

Earlier, during the programme, Fatimah alongside her husband Datuk Dr Adi Badiozaman distributed ‘korban’ meat to the recipients of Rumah Seri Kenangan and Henry Gurney School Puncak Borneo among others. They also received ‘duit raya’ from Fatimah as well.