It is attributed to numerous factors such as divorce, unemployment and poverty. When a marriage ends in divorce, custody of children will be given to either the mother or father.

As such, those who have to take care of their children without any support and help from their spouses find it hard to juggle their jobs with kids and the housework, thus child neglect may ensue.

Bear in mind that child abuse may have long-term impacts, including depression, which can affect children's learning at school. As a result, their academic performance may drop.

We must always be alert to sudden changes in children's behaviour. If there is any bruise or injury on the a child's body that may be inflicted by abuse, make a report to the authorities.

Read further of an exclusive interview with Dr. Mohd Shahidan Shaari, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Applied and Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Perlis on how to alert sudden changes in kids’ behaviour on child abuse.

Source: New Straits Times