Things could have turned out very differently

I REFER to the report “Toddler allegedly abused by stepmum” ( The Star, July 31). A three-year-old boy died after being allegedly abused by his stepmother. A post-mortem showed there were old wounds all over the body.

It’s really sad that children are being physically or sexually abused by family members, neighbours or even their paid caregivers. Most cases go unreported because of the shame and embarrassment which the victims and family might face.

Children, too, have rights. They have the right to get justice, and to heal from their trauma with professional help. It has been reported that many adults facing criminal charges were themselves victims of abuse. These are people who did not get medical help.

We need to acknowledge the problem and stop the cycle of violence; to de-stigmatise the issue so that victims can speak up; and to provide children with a safe environment and age-appropriate education about abuse and neglect.

We need to inform caregivers about the signs and symptoms of abuse, so they can better protect children and intervene early.

We need to remove perpetrators from the environments in which they prey. Most importantly, create communities that deeply value and care for children so that abuse and neglect are not tolerated.

The little boy would still be alive today if the neighbours had taken the trouble to find out. It pains me to know that things could have turned out differently if someone had sounded the alarm earlier.

LIONEL PERERA Port Dickson