The Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Programme in Malaysia: From Inception to Present

Rimah Melati Ab Ghani,Nor Asiah Muhamad,Azriman Rosman

doi:10.5539/gjhs.v11n7p148

Abstract

Issues on child abuse are very critical considering the many incidents of abuse and violence against children. Experiencing abuse in childhood has lifelong impacts on the health and well-being of children, their families and communities. Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) service is centralised, multidisciplinary team management in the government hospital and serve as a supportive service or programme to children, families and hospital staff. This paper outlines the history and the SCAN service available in Malaysia.

Highlights

Child abuse and neglect is a societal and global phenomenon for centuries (Alrimawi, Rajeh Saifan, & Abu Ruz, 2014) and a great public health concern
According to World Health Organization (WHO), child maltreatment sometimes referred to as child abuse and neglect, by definition includes all forms of physical and/ or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power (Butchart, Phinney Harvey, Mian, & Furniss, 2006)
Global status report on violence prevention 2014 by WHO reported over half of the 133 reporting countries have child protection services (Butchart & Mikton, 2014)

Summary

Introduction

Child abuse and neglect is a societal and global phenomenon for centuries (Alrimawi, Rajeh Saifan, & Abu Ruz, 2014) and a great public health concern. There is general agreement across many cultures that child abuse should not be allowed, and virtual unanimity in this respect where very harsh disciplinary practices and sexual abuse are concerned (Butchart & Mikton, 2014; WHO, 2014). According to World Health Organization (WHO), child maltreatment sometimes referred to as child abuse and neglect, by definition includes all forms of physical and/ or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power (Butchart, Phinney Harvey, Mian, & Furniss, 2006).

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