Reporting to Government Hospitals

When a child is suspected to have experienced sexual abuse, seeking medical help is an important step in ensuring their safety, wellbeing, and access to appropriate care. 

In Malaysia, government hospitals are equipped to assess, treat, and support child victims through trained medical teams and established procedures designed to protect the child’s best interests.

Where Can You Go for Help?

Cases of suspected child sexual abuse can be reported at the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or the One-Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) at a General Hospital. These services are available to provide immediate medical attention, psychological support, and referrals for further care.

At hospitals where it is available, the case will be attended to by the SCAN team (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect).

SCAN teams are not available at all General Hospitals, and procedures may vary slightly from one hospital to another.

Who Is the SCAN Team?

The SCAN team is a multidisciplinary group of trained professionals who work together to assess and support abused children. The team may include:

• Paediatricians

• Gynaecologists

• Psychiatrists

• Medical Social Workers

• Social Welfare Officers

• Police Officers

This team approach ensures that the child receives medical care, emotional support, and protection, while also meeting legal and welfare requirements.

What Is Their Role?

The SCAN team’s primary role is to:

• Assess the child’s physical and psychological condition

• Provide medical treatment and emotional support

• Arrange follow-up care and counselling

• Ensure the child’s safety through coordination with welfare authorities

• Support legal processes in a way that prioritises the child’s wellbeing

All members of the team are trained to communicate with children in a gentle, age-appropriate, and reassuring manner. They will explain each step clearly and help the child feel as safe and comfortable as possible throughout the process.

Step-by-Step: What Happens at the Hospital

1. Initial Report
Upon arrival, the suspected abuse should be reported at the A&E unit or OSCC.

2. Medical Assessment
The attending A&E doctor or an on-call paediatrician will speak with the child and/or the parents or guardians.

It is helpful to bring:

• A copy of the Police report (if one has already been made)

• The child’s identity card or birth certificate

• The parent or guardian’s identity card or birth certificate

• Admission for Further Care
  If necessary, the child may be admitted to the ward for further assessment and treatment by the SCAN team.

3. Comprehensive Evaluation
The SCAN team may carry out:

• A careful review of the child’s history and circumstances

• A physical examination, and a gynaecological examination if relevant

• Blood tests, X-rays, or other investigations if needed

• An assessment of the child’s emotional and psychological wellbeing

4. Treatment, Protection, and Follow-Up
The team will:

• Provide or refer the child for appropriate medical treatment

• Arrange psychological support or counselling

• Report the case to the District Welfare Department and coordinate to ensure the child’s safety

• Provide medical reports to the Police if requested

• Arrange ongoing medical and emotional follow-up care

Doctors will always explain the purpose of any examination, test, or treatment before proceeding.

In some cases, if an examination may cause distress or discomfort - particularly for younger children - a doctor may recommend sedation or anaesthesia. This is done to allow a thorough examination while minimising pain and emotional distress.

Do You Need to Make a Police Report First?

A child victim of sexual abuse can be taken directly to any government hospital without first making a Police report.

If abuse is confirmed, the hospital will make a Police report. However, some hospitals may prefer that the parent or guardian lodges a report at the nearest Police Station where the incident occurred before the medical examination.

An Act of Protection and Care

Seeking medical help is not an accusation - it is an act of protection. Hospital teams are trained to respond with care, sensitivity, and professionalism, ensuring that the child’s safety, dignity, and wellbeing remain the priority at every step.