NGOs reveal how COVID-19 puts children at a higher risk of abuse, exploitation and violence

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is not just “the most unprecedented health crisis of our time”. It is also a socio-economic crisis and a humanitarian crisis—putting children at a higher risk of abuse, exploitation and violence.

“Regardless whether it is locally or globally, the economic consequences of the movement control order or lockdown are increasing safety risks for already vulnerable children. They are on the brink of being pushed into deeper vulnerability,” said World Vision Malaysia public engagement head Arthur Chan.

Based on interviews with key informants, World Vision Malaysia revealed incidents of online exploitation, neglect, and child trafficking. A recent World Vision household survey also found 69% of children surveyed said their parents used physical punishment and/or psychological aggression.

“Respondents mentioned the rise in abuse and violence was due to the stress of lockdown measures, the loss of jobs and school closures which have resulted in families spending more time together. All of these have contributed to families’ rising fears about their security, health, and future. In Malaysia, which announced the movement control order (MCO) in March, disparities between urban and rural communities are brought to the fore,” said Chan.

The effect in rural areas

World Vision Malaysia also works with the most vulnerable children and communities in Mukim Tulid and Mukim Tatalaan in Sabah. They observed that children in rural communities didn’t have access to telecommunication services to participate in e-learning.

But while teens like Veveonah are lucky enough to find way to get better connection for their classes and exams, children can feel restricted during the pandemic. Children with special needs face a bigger challenge when it comes to their studies.

“Children felt anxious and worried as they struggled with distance learning, despite some of them having access to the internet,” added Chan.

NGO teachers help to identify warning signs

Kuala Lumpur-based NGO Dignity for Children—which has over 1,700 refugee, stateless and undocumented children under its care—believe teachers play a crucial role in identifying mental health problems. Dignity for Children social worker Rebecca Segran said that there were cases where the parents were “severely punishing the children”.

“The parents meant well but we had to intervene via phone counselling to advise them to change their methods and that’s where the welfare and mental health departments stepped in,” said Segran.

To help children understand their emotions better, Dignity’s mental health unit created formulated worksheets with graphic emoticons to help children navigate their emotions. They also provide a range of counselling—from play therapy to assessment and talk therapy. This enables them to manage behavioural disorders like ADHD, dyslexia and emotional disturbances.

Teachers who are trained to pick up warning signs are best suited for younger children who lack the vocal competence. Sergen also explains that Dignity teachers are trained to lookout for any drastic behavioural change being socially withdrawn, sudden onset of depression, attention-seeking disruptive behaviour and also bruises and things like a sudden fracture.

Not all negative

According to the Shelter – Home for Children, their senior home manager GP Joseph was surprised to learn that there were very little problems at shelters during the MCO. He was initially worried about what being confined 24/7 would do to their mental wellbeing.

“But then I noticed our group chat was silent the entire time which usually buzzes non-stop with lots of problems. During the three months, there were almost zero issues and I was wondering what happened?” he said.

Three homes in the Klang Valley are currently home to 33 children between the ages of 4 and 18. The homes serve as legal guardians to the kids if their abuser is a family member, or if their home isn’t safe.

When the MCO was forced, the children surprised their caretakers by performing chores without being told. They’ve also started cooking, baking, painting and drawing.

“Them taking up initiatives was a surprise to me, I did not expect that… Yes, there’s trauma for them to overcome but because there are other children, they’re able to mix well and live harmoniously together,” said Joseph.

You can visit their websites to learn more about their organisations.

World Vision Malaysia

Dignity For Children

Shelter – Home for Children

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