Recent data published in a University of Malta research study regarding child abuse is concerning.

It highlighted ‘very high’ percentages of child abuse cases, and a ‘very small’ percentage of individuals who do seek help, with many deciding to seek help decades later. Out of 484 respondents in the questionnaire, only 27% (133) answered that they sought support for experiencing child abuse, whereas 73% of respondents (351) said that they did not seek any type of support.

The data paints a worrying picture. It is not easy for children who are subject to abuse to speak out, especially if the perpetrator is a family member.  When they do speak up, the allegations must be treated seriously and the children must be given all the support they need.

Psychologist Roberta Attard was the main researcher on the project.

Attard was asked about the underreporting of child abuse cases, and what discourages children from reporting their abuse. One reason she gave was that from what people wrote in the further comments section of the questionnaire and from information gathered from professionals who work with persons who have been through abuse, very often there is victim blaming.

It cannot be stressed enough that accusations of child abuse must be treated seriously and not shrugged off. Victims must never be blamed, and must always be heard.

As for other reasons, among other things she mentioned that when she worked as a child protection officer, there were children who told her that even though they’ve been hurt or wounded, they didn’t want bad things to happen to the person who had perpetuated it.

Dealing with cases of child abuse must be done sensitively for the sake of the children, but ultimately the decision that is in the best interest of the child must be taken. Investigations have to take place in the interest of protecting the child.

While physical abuse and sexual abuse are the two forms of abuse that instantly come to mind whenever someone mentions child abuse, these are not the only kinds. Neglect and emotional abuse are also forms of child abuse, and they can have an impact not only on the child in the immediate situation, but also in the long-term.

“If we truly want to protect children, we need harsher penalties, a specific, therapeutic program for people who abuse of children, and to remove time-barring restrictions,” Attard said, and her words should be heeded. The government said that back in 2021 there was an amendment in the time-barring factor, in order for abuse victims to have more time to report the alleged crime. But if this needs to be extended further, it should.

In addition, educators and others who deal with children regularly, such as sports coaches and activities instructors, should receive training to help them be able to identify the signs of child abuse. That way, they will be in a better position to notice the indicators and inform the authorities to investigate.

In comments to this newsroom, Attard also said that there is a lack of therapeutic facilities and permanent residences for victims of child abuse in Malta, highlighting a situation of “utter panic” within the services as there is nowhere to place children who should not remain in their normal environment. She also highlighted that the social work course which leads to professional social work attracts very few applicants.

In response to questions sent by this newsroom, the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights said that within the scenario of working with families, the first fundamental notion that has to be considered is that every intervention is focused on family preservation, as each child has the right to live with their own biological family, wherever this is possible. The ministry’s response makes sense as removing a child from their parents is in itself traumatic. But, there are cases where the best option is for the child to be removed.

The ministry went on to say that the Directorate for Child Protection Services seeks alternative placements other than residential care or foster care whenever possible, whereby  other family members are considered if they are deemed as safe enough to protect the wellbeing of the minor. It also said that the government has opened seven new community homes for adolescents, two residences to support young adults, and is working on the introduction of more community homes for young people. These homes are needed in certain cases, and the government must ensure that space is always available should it be needed.

The Ministry was also asked about social work not being considered as an attractive profession in Malta. On this, the spokesperson said that one has to start by noting that the caring professions are on a decline. “This is a global phenomenon, which is being experienced not only in Malta, but also in the rest of the world. As a government, we have recently announced an increase in stipends for students of social work in order to attract more students to follow the social work course,” the spokesperson said. One hopes that this will see the desired results. If not, then the government must do more to attract people to work as social workers.  Children who are victims of abuse must be given all the support they need, and no resource shortage or anything of the sort should get in the way of that.