• Food
  • Family
  • Beauty & Health
  • Style
  • SPA AWARDS 2023
  • SPA AWARDS 2023
  • Best Beauty Buys 2023
  • Food
    • Eating Out
    • Cooking Tips
    • Festive Food
    • Asian Recipes
    • Food
    • Celebrity Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Western Recipes
  • Family
    • Family
    • Deals
    • Parenting
    • Sex & Marriage
    • Travel
  • Beauty & Health
    • Beauty & Health
    • Skincare
    • Makeup
    • Hair
    • Awards
    • Diet & Nutrition
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
  • Style
  • Deals
  • Great Women
    • Career
    • Great Women of Our Time
    • Real Life
  • Entertainment
  • EVENTS/WIN
  • Subscribe
Privacy Menu
SPH Media

Copyright © 2023 SPH Media Limited. Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. All rights reserved.

  • Food
  • Family
  • Beauty & Health
  • Style
  • SPA AWARDS 2023

Family

What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Child Is Suffering Abuse?

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Family

What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Child Is Suffering Abuse?

In the wake of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case, and another involving a Singapore athlete and rope-skipping coach Roger Yue Jr, we need to learn how to protect our kids

January 29, 2018

why good grades don't mean your child will succeed in life

National sports associations (NSAs) and clubs in Singapore have adopted measures to prevent the sexual abuse of athletes, but officials say greater education and vigilance are key to reducing the risk of such incidents taking place at all.

On Nov 21, rope-skipping coach Roger Yue Jr, who is accused of committing various sexual offences against a teenage student between late 2008 and late 2010, went on trial in the High Court.

In the United States, Larry Nassar, who served as the USA Gymnastics team physician through four Olympic Games, has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct. Over 100 women have accused him of assaulting them, including Olympic champions.

In 2016, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) investigated 107 reports of sexual abuse of children under 16. This was 30 per cent more than the 82 cases in 2015 and more than double the 45 cases in 2009. In most cases, the perpetrator was a family member.

While last year’s figures are preliminary, an MSF spokesman said the increase in the number of reports is partly due to more professionals, from social workers to educators to healthcare staff, having been trained by MSF to spot abuse. The ministry has also introduced more rigorous screening tools that have improved the detection, reporting and management of child abuse cases.

The Singapore Children’s Society has also started a programme to teach pre-schoolers how to protect themselves, by teaching them the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching, and what to do if they have been sexually abused.

Here’s how to spot the signs of sexual abuse in children – and how to prevent the possibility, especially when they do sports.

 

Text: Shenielle Aloysis, Nicole Chia & Theresa Tan/ The Straits Times

Singapore Gymnastics (SG) general manager Karen Norden said that a key standard operating procedure at the association is that it does not allow its coaches to be in the gym on a one-on-one basis with athletes.

A similar practice is adopted at Swimfast Aquatic Club, founded by former national swimmer David Lim. At least one coordinator is usually present at each of the club’s training sessions (60 per week), with newer coaches receiving guidance from more senior coaches in their first six months.

When it comes to doctors, you and your child have the right to ask a female nurse to be present in the examination room as well. Doing so makes the possibility of a sexual attack much less likely, and your child will also have a witness if things go wrong.

READ MORE:
Is Your Kid Being Abused At Childcare?
“How I Survived Rape, Drugs & Jail”: One Mother’s True Story
Meet The Woman Who Climbs Mountains For Abused Women & Children

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/family/singapore-what-to-do-suspect-child-sexual-abuse/
What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Child Is Suffering Abuse?
1. Don't let your child interact one-on-one with coaches or doctors
image

Singapore Gymnastics (SG) general manager Karen Norden said that a key standard operating procedure at the association is that it does not allow its coaches to be in the gym on a one-on-one basis with athletes.

A similar practice is adopted at Swimfast Aquatic Club, founded by former national swimmer David Lim. At least one coordinator is usually present at each of the club’s training sessions (60 per week), with newer coaches receiving guidance from more senior coaches in their first six months.

When it comes to doctors, you and your child have the right to ask a female nurse to be present in the examination room as well. Doing so makes the possibility of a sexual attack much less likely, and your child will also have a witness if things go wrong.

Photo: Pixabay
2. Make coaches and doctors accountable, with visible schedules and clear instructions
image

Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) president Ellen Lee says that if individual training sessions are conducted at the STTA, its high-performance managers and staff must be notified. “There has to be accountability in terms of a proper roster as to who is using what and at which time,” she said. “Our tables are all in public areas as well, in full view of everyone.”

In sailing, said Singapore Sailing president Ben Tan, debriefs are held in groups and in a suitable location. “If we’re sending any athletes on tour, we normally try to send a judge so there are two officials. In the time that I’ve been with Singapore Gymnastics, we’ve never just sent a coach and an athlete,” said Ms Norden, who joined SG in June after 11 years at Gymnastics Australia.

For doctor’s appointments, doctors must make clear how and when they will touch your child during any physical exam. Appropriate gowns and private undressing areas and should be provided.

Photo: Pixabay
3. Teach children the "underwear rule"
image

Kids should be taught the general guideline that no one, not even their caregivers or male family members, should be allowed to touch the areas usually covered by their underwear, . This is known as the “underwear rule”. Should this happen, and if they feel uncomfortable, they must know how to immediately voice their discomfort and leave the situation. Ask them to report it to you, saying you will help them handle the situation.

Photo: Pixabay
4. Recognise the signs
image

You may have taken precautions, but sexual attacks can still happen, so it’s important to know the signs. Daniel Koh, psychologist at Insights Mind Centre says, “Do note though that just because you see a warning sign, it doesn’t automatically mean a child is being abused.” Daniel says the signs of abuse aren’t always obvious, and learning the warning signs of abuse could be life-saving…

 

Photo: Pixabay
5. Behavioural signs
image

Be alert if the child seems to shrink away from or seem threatened by physical contact, shows regressive behaviours like thumb sucking, changes in hygiene routines such as refusing to bathe or bathing excessively, experiences sleep disturbances or has nightmares. Daniel adds that some may also seem extremely tired, not at all interested in anything and not be able to relate to others.

 

Photo: Pixabay
6. Verbal cues
image

Using words or phrases that are “too adult” for their age, unexplained silence, or suddenly being less talkative may be some warning signs you should look into. Daniel further explains that the child might seem to be suddenly interested in sex, converse in a sexual manner or avoid a specific gender altogether.

 

 

Photo: Pixabay
7. Physical signs
image

Daniel suggested that the adult should look for some unexplained bruising or swelling near the genital area, blood on sheets or undergarments, or broken bones. The child may also show signs of depression and suicidal tendencies.

Photo: Pixabay
8. Report It
image

If you suspect a child is being abused, it would be best to report it to the authorities who can provide protection and remove the child from the abuser. You can approach the Police, child protection officers in MSF or to make a report at the hospital when seeking medical help.

You can approach the Child Protective Service at Rehabilitation and Protection Group, located at 512 Thomson Road #10-00, MSF Building, Singapore 298136. You can also call them at 63548260 / 1800-7770000 or email them at msf_email@msf.gov.sg.

READ MORE: 10 Photos You Should Never Post Of Your Child

Photo: Pixabay
  • TAGS:
  • behavioural signs
  • bruising
  • child abuse
  • Confident Kids
  • happy kids
  • hurt
  • inability to relate
  • interested in sex
  • Larry Nassar
  • life-saving
  • nightmares
  • regressive behaviour
  • Roger Yue Jr
  • sexual manner
  • sleep disturbances
  • smart parenting
  • swelling
  • thumb sucking
  • tired
  • too adult
  • warning signs
SHARE THIS ON

What’s Hot

Family

6 Touches That Will Improve Communicatio...

Family

8 Signs He's Crossing The Line With Othe...

Family

10 Ergonomic School Bags For Kids To Hel...

Family

10 Animals That Are Illegal To Keep As P...

Family

These Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations A...

Family

Hungry Ghost Festival: Things You Should...

Family

10 Reasons Why Married Women Cheat And H...

Family

10 Things To Look Out For When Choosing ...

Family

10 Healthy Foods To Keep Your Child Aler...

Family

16 Celebs Who Have Opened Up About Their...

Family

What Is Micro-Cheating And How Do You De...

Family

Dad Diaries: I Don’t Regret Putting My...

Editor’s Picks
  • Sex & Marriage The Most Romantic Hotel Rooms In Singapore With Private Pools
  • Sex & Marriage The Ultimate Sexting Guide: 12 Sexy Pictures You Should Be Sending
  • Family 6 Touches That Will Improve Communication With Your Husband
  • Family 8 Signs He's Crossing The Line With Other People
  • Parenting 21 Water Parks And Playgrounds In Singapore To Beat The Heat
  • Family 10 Ergonomic School Bags For Kids To Help Reduce Back Strain
Don't Miss Out Ever Again!
Tips & tricks to stay sane + win invites to our events!

By submitting my information above and clicking "Sign Me Up Now", I confirm I understand and accept SPH Media Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy as amended from time to time.
Footer Menu
  • About Us
  • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • Contact
  • Conditions of Access
  • PDPA
  • Privacy Policy
?>">
SPH Magazine

Copyright © 2023 SPH Media Limited. Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. All rights reserved.