Child abuse and domestic violence
CHILD abuse and domestic
violence occurring in Brunei is unacceptable and should not be taken lightly in
fear of it becoming an accepted norm of society, the Deputy Minister of
Culture, Youth and Sports said yesterday.
Last October when His Majesty,
the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam opened the new Al-Falaah
School building in Kg Sungai Akar, he said in a titah that he was astonished to
hear of how some people could mistreat children, and have the heart to abuse
and even kill children.
"There is no doubt that
the mentioned acts done towards children would be highly condemned," said
His Majesty.
The monarch said Allah (SWT)
loves children, to the point that they are seen as His (Allah SWT's) important
wali (friends).
"As the wali of Allah SWT,
they have minds and souls that are pure, free of sin and their prayers are
mustajab (always answered). This is the status of children. If we truly know of
their position, certainly, there would not be anyone who would not love
children," His Majesty said.
Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman
said child abuse is against human dignity and the rights of a child.
"Children are born innocent and pure, and you cannot blame them (for their
actions) and say you have a right to abuse them. When a child is abused, the psychological
impact will remain which will interfere with his or her development. Every
child has a right to develop, to enjoy childhood and no human being has a right
to take that away from them," she said.
The deputy minister is calling
on the public to be "very alert" on domestic violence and child abuse
happening around them.
In cases where people, such as
neighbours, are suspicious of such acts happening around them, they should call
141 where they will remain anonymous. For the sake of the child or victim, they
should call 141 or even the police and provide the address, she said.
"We love children in
Brunei. We are a very caring society, so child abuse is unacceptable."
Datin Hjh Adina also called on
family members to report to the Community Development Department (JAPEM) if
such incidences were occurring within the family, stressing that "no
judgements will be made and that we will keep it confidential".
She also asked family members
and even victims of domestic violence or child abuse to try to have an open
mind when it comes to this, and not blame it on the victim.
The deputy minister said that
even internationally, it is common for victims to blame themselves or be in
denial for what has happened to them.
Datin Hjh Adina fears that if
action is not taken now, domestic violence and child abuse will become an
accepted norm of the society.
"We want Bruneians to
remain caring, so do not lose this value system we have which is that we care
for our family members and for our people. We should not think acts of domestic
violence and child abuse is common because it is not, and it is
unacceptable," she said, adding everyone has a right and should not live
in fear because of domestic violence and child abuse.
Under Brunei's Islamic family
law and the Married Women's Act, protection will be given to the victim.
Meanwhile, punishment for the perpetrator will fall under the Penal Code, Datin
Hjh Adina said.
The Brunei Times
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