357 child abuse cases reported in Perak last year

IPOH: A total of 357 child abuse cases were reported in the state last year, a spike of 15 cases, compared to the previous year, the Perak State Legislative Assembly was told today.

Perak Women and Family Development, Community Welfare and non-governmental organisation (NGO) Committee chairman Datuk Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin said various efforts had been carried out by the state Social Welfare Department (JKM) to help the victims including by providing initial protection, conducting monitoring and follow-up visits on them.

"JKM also provides guidance as well as counselling and support services to children who are victims of sexual abuse by housing them at a JKM institution in Taman Seri Puteri, Batu Gajah.

"Financial assistance of RM250 or a maximum of RM500 per month is also provided for families who are willing to provide care and protection to the victims under the Foster Child programme," she said during the oral question and answer session.

She said this in reply to a question from Leow Thye Yih (DAP-Pokok Assam) who wanted to know the number of child abuse cases reported in Perak in the last two years and the initiatives taken by the relevant departments in addressing the issue.

-- BERNAMA