CHILD ABUSE

Mdm Claire Chiang See Ngoh asked the Minister for Community Development, in view of the fact that in half of all child abuse cases where the perpetrators are mothers, if he will look into the causes and what can be done to protect potential victims.

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi: There are many causes of child abuse and the father is as likely as the mother to commit child abuse. One cause of child abuse is the lack of parenting skills and the understanding of the child's needs. Another is conflict between the parents resulting in innocent children being used as punching bags. Yet another factor is the lack of bonding between the abusive parent and the child.

Parent education and family life education programmes are therefore essential. MCD has since 1985 embarked on programmes to promote family well-being and to enhance parenting skills. The parent and family life programmes provide information on support services which individuals and families can turn to when in need of help.

MCD is also promoting public awareness of family violence and child abuse and the services and support programmes available. Public education materials on family violence are distributed widely to professionals as well as individuals in the community. Talks and workshops on child abuse are conducted by the MCD as well as voluntary organisations with the support of the Ministry. Workshops on child abuse and family will also be conducted for staff of child care centres, kindergartens and schools. Family service centres also provide support services to families who require help. All these concerted efforts provide a wider coverage for detection of child abuse in the community and provide support to families.

MCD is also amending the Children and Young Persons Act to strengthen provisions to get the cooperation of parents and guardians in seeking treatment and help for themselves and the victims.