Nancy Shukri says child abuse victims may seek treatment at private hospitals, but families must still lodge a police report to enable investigations and welfare support.
PUTRAJAYA: Families whose children are suspected victims of abuse may seek medical treatment at private hospitals, but they are still required to lodge a police report to enable investigations and welfare intervention, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said.
Clarifying procedures following concerns that abuse cases are often referred to government hospitals, Nancy said the standard operating procedures (SOPs) remain the same regardless of where a child first receives treatment.
“If they want to avoid going to a government hospital, then it’s up to them. They can still go to a private hospital, but they must report the matter to the police if it involves abuse or any other related offence,” she told reporters after officiating the 9th Asean Children’s Forum today.
She was responding to a question on reports that some families in Sabah found the referral process cumbersome when child abuse cases were directed to government hospitals.
Nancy said the Welfare Department (JKM), under both the federal and Sabah governments, works closely with the police and healthcare providers in handling child abuse cases.
She emphasised that welfare officers are responsible for preparing social reports required by enforcement agencies and the courts as part of investigations and legal proceedings.
“The report will always be prepared by us, and then the court will request it. We also work closely with the police,” she said.
Nancy added that government hospitals have One-Stop Crisis Centres (OSCC), which bring together medical personnel, police and welfare officers to provide coordinated support for victims of abuse.
“There is an OSCC at the hospital. If it involves abuse cases, the OSCC will be activated.
“There is also a police counter where reports can be lodged, and our officers will provide assistance in preparing the required reports,” she said.
She stressed that children treated at private hospitals would still receive assistance from JKM, provided the prescribed reporting procedures are followed.
“Even if they are treated at a private hospital, they can still receive assistance if it is an abuse case. However, the procedures remain the same,” she said.
Earlier, Sabah Social Welfare Department Children’s Division officer Ponniya Irham said child abuse victims are currently required to undergo assessment at government hospitals, as existing laws recognise only public healthcare facilities for child protection and preservation cases.
She said families often find the process burdensome, particularly after first seeking treatment at a private hospital or clinic, as they are still referred to a government hospital for further assessment and case management.
