KUALA LUMPUR: The rise in child abuse cases since 2020 has led to the expansion of the Women’s Anti-Crime Squad (Skuad Waja) role as child protection assistants to address the growing issue.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said selected Skuad Waja reps would be officially recognised as Skuad Waja Insaniah members.
They will act as first responders to assist protection officers in safeguarding and protecting abused and neglected children, including victims of sexual abuse.
“The Social Welfare Department reported an increase in cases from 5,858 in 2020 to 6,144 in 2021 and 6,770 in 2022.
“Between January and May this year, it handled 2,959 cases involving abuse and neglect in terms of physical, sexual and emotional.
“The increase in child abuse cases is very concerning because most of them involve perpetrators who have close relationships with the victims, such as parents, guardians, grandparents, mother’s boyfriend, step-parents, and so on,” she said in her speech at the 2023 Skuad Waja Insaniah Commissioning ceremony here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Since it was set up on March 8, 2021, Squad Waja, which empowers the community through psychosocial guidance programmes, including addressing issues of violence against women, has had a membership of 328,558 as at December last year.
“For the Skuad Waja Insaniah, some 330 participants have been involved in the training programme conducted from May to July last year.
“They were trained through a combination of the Waja Squad 2.0 Module and Child Protection Assistant Training by the Social Welfare Department,” said Nancy.
Skuad Waja Insaniah members are trained to respond effectively to the cases they receive, ensuring they are well prepared, she told a press conference after the event.
“We provided training to ensure their readiness; we want them to handle complaints without becoming emotional.
“They will receive regular training to match procedures with each case. Despite similar situations, abuse cases can differ in approach.
“Later, more Skuad Waja Insaniah members will be certified,” she added.
