SHAH ALAM - For many parents, the first sign that something is wrong is not a phone call from a teacher or a report from a childcare centre, but a child who comes home quieter than usual, refuses to get dressed for school or flinches when touched.
Experts said these small, easily dismissed changes were often the earliest signals of abuse and missing them can allow harm to continue unnoticed.
Lawyer Shanker Sundaram said abuse rarely appeared in isolation and was often revealed through a combination of physical, behavioural, emotional and institutional warning signs.
"Parents should remain vigilant for changes in their child, not just in what they say, but how they behave, move and interact. Recognising these signs early can protect the child and help preserve crucial evidence," he said.
Physical warning signs included unexplained bruises, cuts or burns, repeated injuries with inconsistent explanations, torn or missing clothing and difficulties in sitting or walking.
Behavioural shifts, he said, were often more pronounced: a previously sociable child may suddenly withdraw, become aggressive, develop nightmares or bedwetting, show regression in developmental milestones, or even engage in self-harm.
"Emotional indicators include panic attacks, excessive crying after school, unusual clinginess, sudden sensitivity to touch, or notable changes in appetite," he said.
Shanker said institutional red flags can be equally telling.
He noted that parents should be alert if access to certain areas of the centre is restricted, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were said to be "not working", staff discouraged questions, staff turnover was unusually high, supervision ratios were poor, or isolation rooms were used as a form of punishment.
"No legitimate childcare centre should fear transparency. Parents should trust their instincts if access is blocked or staff avoid scrutiny," he added.
He emphasised that parents must handle suspected abuse carefully and lawfully.
He advised documenting incidents immediately, obtaining medical reports from hospitals, photographing injuries and keeping records of communications with the centre, caregivers, or witnesses.
CCTV footage should be requested formally in writing and statements from other parents or former staff may help corroborate observations.
"It’s critical not to confront the alleged abuser before reporting. Direct confrontation can jeopardise police investigations and may compromise the case," he added.
Meanwhile, former Bar Council child rights chairperson Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo highlighted additional signs of concern, particularly relating to sexual abuse.
These included trauma near private parts, frequent genital discomfort, inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour for the child’s age and a reluctance to attend school or childcare centres, she added.
"Children communicate distress in ways adults may overlook. Changes in speech, social interactions or fear of specific individuals are often their only clues," she said.
Once a report was made, authorities such as the Social Welfare Department and the police will collect forensic evidence, statements and medical reports.
Kokila stressed that parents should preserve all relevant evidence and avoid altering or deleting any files.
Malaysian law offers multiple avenues for redress. Under the Child Act 2001, abuse, neglect, or exposure to risk carries penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment or fines of RM50,000.
The Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 strengthens protections for children with disabilities.
The Penal Code addresses assault, hurt, grievous hurt and unlawful confinement, while sexual abuse is criminalised under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
For immediate assistance or to report child welfare concerns, parents can contact Talian Kasih 15999 or the relevant local welfare authorities.