Mums, do you let your young daughters go to washrooms in malls or restaurants? Please think twice about this as danger lurks even in places we think are safe. Recently, a little girl was brutally molested in a shopping mall restroom.
Who would have thought that an innocent trip to the toilet could lead to such a disastrous outcome?
5-year-old girl was locked in a restroom and molested by a stranger
Source: a post by a concerned netizen (who does not want to be identified) on the incident
According to a viral post from a concerned netizen, this incident took place in a “high-end restaurant”. Specifically, a shopping mall restroom in Manila, the Philippines.
The woman was waiting for her meal when a commotion broke out at one of the tables inside the restaurant, no far away from hers. “The manager called the attention of the two security guards on duty,” she says.
The commotion involved a five-year-old girl and her mother….
What happened to this child was horrifying…
Apparently, the little girl, her mother, an old lady in a wheelchair and another woman were eating in the restaurant. Halfway through, the girl needed to go to the restroom and asked her mother for permission. She was permitted to do so alone.
This was when an unidentified man immediately followed her into the restroom and locked the doors.
Wondering why her daughter was spending such a long time in the restroom, the mum decided to check on her — only to find her shaking and crying in a corner, her genitals covered in blood.
After the mother and child returned to their table, she started interrogating her daughter on what actually happened. The mother could not contain her anger and even went a little hysterical. She shouted “No! No! My daughter was molested!”
While leaving, the netizen said that the mother was still crying while her child was brought to the hospital for both medical and legal purposes.
The scariest part of this incident? All of it happened within a relatively short time. But it is enough to cause damage to a child. No one expected such a thing would happen.
This tells us one thing: Parents, always be vigilant and never be complacent with your child no matter where you are, especially so in crowded places. Ultimately, you can never be too careful when it involves child safety in public places.
Tips to ensure child safety in public places: What can we learn from this incident?
What the five-year-old girl experienced was heart-wrenching. We can only imagine the horror she went through. While we hope the offender is caught, mums and dads, let this be a reminder to never let your guard down when it comes to child safety in public places.
Here are some pointers:
1. NEVER take your child’s safety for granted
Yes, Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. But this does not mean we should let our guard down when it comes to our kids’ safety. Avoid sending your young children to public restrooms alone. If you must, teach them how to keep themselves safe. If anyone tries to harm them in any way, teach your child to scream as loud as they can.
Also remember that little boys are equally vulnerable to predators as girls.
2. Listen to what your child is telling you
It can be easy to shrug off what they tell you in a heartbeat, especially when you think you know better. But listen to them, especially when they are sharing things with you, including their worries and what bothers them. Try to suss out where it’s coming from. Is there a bully at school? A nanny they don’t like?
Children will be able to sense your emotions, so let them know that you will take them seriously and that you will fight to keep them safe.
3. Help build your child’s self-esteem
According to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, adults looking to do harm may tend to pick out adolescents who are timid, neglected or alone. Such bullies take advantage of children’s lack of confidence as they are unable to stand up for themselves.
Parents, you can help boost their confidence by sending an abundance of love, praise and attention their way.
4. Let your child know the power of saying “NO”
Let your child be aware that it is okay to say “no”, even to adults. They don’t have to feel obligated to do anything against their wishes — whether it’s in the presence of an adult or older child that they know.
You can practice this at home with them. Making sure that they never give in to kissing or hugging an adult if they don’t want to!
Also, teach them to say “No” or “Stop” if someone is making them feel uncomfortable by touching them inappropriately. Tell them to report any such happenings to you if they do occur.
5. The “no exclusivity” rule
Just because an adult has a greater influence than a child, it does not mean they can exert their influence on a whim. Educate your child on open communication and practicing the “no exclusivity” rule: Adults should never ask children for help and that they should never ask children to keep any secrets.
Source: Psychology Today, Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Featured image is a stock photo and is used for illustration purposes only.