KUALA LUMPUR – Effective parenting and protective measures are crucial in preventing child grooming, according to Bukit Aman’s Sexual, Women, and Child Investigation Division (D11) principal assistant director.
Siti Kamsiah Hassan told Scoop that many grooming cases involving minors go unreported.
Only 20 cases of child grooming were reported between 2020 and May 5 of this year, while other offences such as rape have shown an alarming increase: 1,293 cases in 2020, 1,388 cases in 2022, and 1,590 cases in 2023.
The discrepancy in reporting may be because victims feel their situation is too minor to report or because they were dismissed by their parents.
“Many cases where minors are victims start with grooming. The perpetrator often builds trust with the victim, then manipulates, exploits, and threatens them,” Siti Kamsiah explained.
“Parents need to be aware of who their children are interacting with, especially online. Grooming often begins on social media, so parents must ensure the online world is safe for their kids.”
She stressed the importance of parental involvement in both online and real-world environments.
“Parents must take extra steps to protect their children until they are adults.
“Children cannot always discern right from wrong or recognise danger, whether online or in the real world.”
She emphasised that this responsibility also applies to children who are victims of grooming by authority figures at school or incest by family members.
“Children are often surrounded by their families. If a family member betrays their trust through incest, other family members must ensure the victim’s safety.
“Take the necessary and right steps by reporting to the police, as we can only act after receiving a report. A child has two parents; if one parent harms them, the other must act to protect them.
“Too often, cases of incest or sexual assault by family members go unreported until it’s too late, such as when the victim becomes pregnant and gives birth. Even then, the report is usually made by the hospital.
“This practice must stop. If a father is known to commit such a heinous act against his child, the mother must report it, no matter what. You cannot protect a predator for long, they will likely harm again, which is even worse,” she said.
Building trust with children
Siti Kamsiah emphasised that communication between parents and children should be two-way.
“Parents must listen to their children as much as they expect to be heard. Instilling good values and teaching boundaries are essential.
“Children need to understand appropriate communication with peers and adults. If they encounter danger, they should feel they can rely on their parents as their moral compass,” she said. – May 29, 2024