Shelter for child survivors of abuse in Malaysia

I walked into the Child Care Centre and was expecting to see children doing their homework but the house was quiet. I was told that a few of them were still not back from school. I saw the young ones fast asleep on their beds.

It was a warm afternoon. I sat in the office and spoke to Firkah, a social worker who managed our shelter for children of domestic violence survivors. She said she was keen to highlight *Rohan’s story for this report.

In 2014, we were unable to contact Rohan’s mother for months. She was a previous resident who left our Refuge some time ago. The social workers visited her house and her workplace several times but no one has seen her. We called the police and the welfare department for help.

Rohan was already placed at the Child Care Centre before his mom’s disappearance. Firkah mentioned that he was not interested to befriend others in the shelter. In fact, he had often resorted to violence whenever he felt vulnerable. When he got news that his mother was nowhere to be found, Rohan broke down. From then on, he was worried and sad all the time. During a play therapy session, Rohan even mentioned to his therapist that he had intentions of committing suicide.

A year has passed. Rohan’s mother contacted the Refuge and said that she was away and well but could not explain what exactly has happened to her. She came back to stay in our Refuge and was given counselling. Rohan was so happy.

In the absence of his mom, Rohan has struggled but made efforts to improve himself. For a year, he frequently attended counselling and play therapy sessions. He learned the importance of friendships, self-care and being respectful.

When we were collaborating with a group of volunteers who are avid runners, I got to know that Rohan also started running and won many running competitions. Just like *Ruben in our previous report! That was not all apparently. Firkah proudly informed that he also writes poems and loves to paint. Together with other children, Rohan won the Spelling Bee contest too. Rohan was given tuition in the shelter to help him catch up with school subjects.

I enjoyed listening to Firkah and her stories of the children in the shelter. The children are very fond her and they always call her “Akka Firkah” or “Kakak Firkah” which literally means Firkah sister. She plays an important role in making sure each and every child in the shelter is cared for. I have met Rohan a few times. I wouldn’t have known that Rohan has gone through so much if I have not heard of how challenging his life was in the last few years. He is definitely much happier now.

*Name has been changed to protect identity