Child abuse in Asia Pacific costs S$283 billion a year: UNICEF
Research commissioned by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has found that child maltreatment is costing countries in East Asia and the Pacific US$209 billion (S$283 billion) per year. In a press release announcing its findings, UNICEF said that this is equivalent to two per cent of the region’s GDP.
The study also showed that the most common form of maltreatment was emotional abuse, affecting in particular girls in high income countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia.
Using a proven methodology previously employed in Australia and the US, the team – made up of global researchers, including the well-known expert Xiangming Fang – went through a systematic review of literature concerning the prevalence, incidence and consequences of violence in East Asia and the Pacific. Data was aggregated from 364 studies and grouped according to the type of maltreatment.
In this first ever costing of child maltreatment in the region, the researchers found that the social and economic impact of child maltreatment include an added burden on already stretched health care systems, disability and increased levels of violence and criminality. It is difficult for children who experience violence and abuse to grow up to be productive members of society, and their countries also risk losing the potential benefits to their communities these children might otherwise provide, the study says.
According to the study, the costs associated with emotional abuse are US$65.9 billion, those associated with physical abuse are US$39.6 billion, sexual abuse costs about US$39.9 billion, neglect costs US$32.4 billion, witnessing domestic violence costs US$31 billion and death from maltreatment costs an estimated US$500 million.
“We all know that violence against children must stop because it is morally wrong. This research shows that inaction about violence results in serious economic costs to countries and communities,” said UNICEF Regional Director Daniel Toole. “Governments need to take urgent action to address violence against children, both for the sake of the children themselves and for the wellbeing of future generations.”
MALTREATMENT & ECONOMIC SITUATION
The study also found a difference in the types of prevailing maltreatment between low-income countries (the study includes Myanmar and Cambodia in this group) and high income countries (such as Malaysia and Singapore).
For example, in high income countries, 42 per cent of females have experienced emotional abuse and 32 per cent of males have witnessed domestic violence, the study shows.
Among the other economic grouping, 31 per cent of mental disorders among females in lower middle income countries are attributable to sexual abuse during childhood. The study also shows that 25 per cent of mental disorders among males in low income countries are attributable to physical abuse during childhood.
“It is noteworthy that the highest rates of ‘contact maltreatment’ – physical and sexual abuse – are found in low and middle income countries,” said Mr Phenny Kakama, senior child protection specialist, UNICEF Malaysia.
“However, there is a lack of research on non-contact maltreatment – emotional abuse, neglect and witnessing parental violence – in low income countries. The most common form of maltreatment was emotional abuse, affecting in particular girls in high income countries.”
WHAT NOW?
UNICEF says it is working with governments in the region to take action based on these findings.
“In Cambodia, we have supported a survey which provides, for the first time, national estimates of the scale of violence against children. This study will inform action by the Cambodian government to prevent and respond to violence against children,” the organisation said in the release.
“We’re supporting the Cambodian government to prevent violence against children from happening in the first place, and to improve services for those boys and girls who experience violence,” said UNICEF Cambodia representative Rana Flowers. “This research allows us to demonstrate the scale of the problem in Cambodia and helps us make a powerful case for change."
