How horrifying!
According to the New Straits Times, a couple from Shah Alam were shocked when they found out that their 3-month-old daughter had broken her leg earlier on 12th June. The parents suspect their daughter had broken her leg while under the care of her babysitter.
The child’s father has since lodged a police report against the babysitter, according to ACP Baharudin Mat Taib, who told the daily,
“According to the report, the father had sent the infant to the babysitter’s house at 7am yesterday before leaving for work and returned to fetch her at 3.15pm.”
“He said the girl wouldn’t stop crying, so the father, who is also a medical assistant at Shah Alam Hospital, Selangor (HSAS), decided to send her for a check-up.”
“Following an X-ray examination, the hospital confirmed that the victim’s left thigh bone was broken.”
“The Welfare Department had also been informed of the incident. Meanwhile, the hospital will determine the cause of the injury.”
The police are currently investigating the matter under Section 31(1)(c) of the Child Act 2001 and will be taking a statement from the babysitter soon.
In light of this news, thousands of parents have expressed concern and wondered how to determine if their infants have suffered what this poor 3-month-old went through.
A doctor, Dr Kamarul Ariffin Nor Sadan, addressed parents’ concerns by listing the following important signs that their babysitters may be abusive in a viral Facebook post;
- Crying and struggling every time they are sent to the babysitter
- The child easily becomes scared of strangers
- Changes in behaviour: either too needy or too quiet
- Bruises present on the child’s body
- The child experiences frequent nightmares, is delirious, or has a hard time falling asleep
He also went on to list out the steps parents can take to prevent their child from being abused;
- Immediately distance your child from the suspected abuser
- Make a complaint to the babysitter’s agency (if they have one)
- Make a police report for investigations to be carried out
- Take the child to the doctor for a physical examination
- Ensure the child receives physical and psychological treatment
So, to all parents out there, be sure to take these measures to ensure your child is safe and under proper supervision at all times! Meanwhile, let’s hope that investigations will be carried out appropriately and that the baby makes a speedy recovery.
Also read: Outraged Malaysians Save the Day Just 1 Hour after Video of Abused Child Went Viral
