What 99 Children Told Us About Physical Abuse

In late 2025, we surveyed 99 children in M'Lop Tapang's Non-Formal Education program, ages 10–16, about their experiences with physical violence from adults.

0%

of children surveyed reported experiencing at least one form of physical abuse from an adult

The Children

99 voices. Each dot is a child.

We spoke to 99 children enrolled in our Non-Formal Education classes: 56 boys and 43 girls, ranging from 10 to 16 years old. Each was interviewed one-on-one by a trained staff member.

Reported abuse (83) Did not report abuse (16)

Forms of Violence

What kinds of physical abuse did children describe?

Children were asked about five specific types of physical violence. Many experienced more than one form. Hitting, both with hands and with objects like sticks, belts, and clothes hangers, was overwhelmingly the most common.

Hit with object (stick, belt, hanger)

67%

Slapped or hit by hand

65%

Kicked or punched

32%

Tied up or restrained

7%

Burned with something hot

3%

Where It Happens

Home is where the abuse occurs

The vast majority of children said these things happened at home. And parents, particularly mothers, were identified as the most frequent perpetrators.

74

children said abuse happened at home

58

identified a parent as the perpetrator

33

named their biological mother most often

Note: Mothers are often the primary caregivers. This finding reflects who is present most, and should be understood within the broader context of poverty, stress, and limited support systems.

In Their Own Words

What children told us they want

When asked what adults should do when a child does something wrong, the children's answers were remarkably consistent. Over and over, they asked for the same thing.

"I want adults to speak nice words. I don't want them to hit me again."

— Child, age 13

"Please speak nice words to correct a child. I don't want my father hit me, correct me instead."

— Child, age 12

"I wanted my father be nice to me, do not throw a knife on me."

— Child, age 14

"Do not blame, do not tell neighbours. Please correct and give advise what is right, what is wrong."

— Child, age 12

"Please talk and give advise better than hitting a child."

— Child, age 15

"If I don't go to school just tell me to go to school, do not hit me."

— Child, age 13

Emotional Impact

How did it make them feel?

Children described feeling afraid, angry, and sad. Some described physical pain. One child wrote: "I am so scared and worried that this youth may hit me again." Another said simply: "Very unhappy and I think it's not safe at home."

38

said they felt afraid

29

said they felt angry

18

said they felt sad

Safety & Silence

Most children never told anyone

Only 30 of the children who experienced abuse told someone about it. The majority, 51 children, had never told anyone before this survey. And 36 children reported that they do not always feel safe at home.

63%

Never told

62 always feel safe at home

23 sometimes feel safe

13 never feel safe

Of those who did disclose, most told a family member. Only 4 told a social worker. This highlights both the depth of silence around physical abuse and the critical role that trusted adults, including teachers and social workers, can play when children feel safe enough to speak.

What Children Dream Of

What would make you feel safe?

When asked what makes a home or school safe, the children described a world built on kindness, understanding, and the absence of violence. Their answers are both heartbreaking and hopeful.

"I want warmth from parents. I want teachers to help me learn and become a smarter person."

— Child, age 11

"No violence in the family. Teachers that show empathy toward children. Parents educate their children in a positive way."

— Child, age 14

"I wanted my mother and father stop drinking alcohol. I want teacher help me to tell them stop drinking alcohol please."

— Child, age 12

These children trusted us with their stories

This survey is one step. The next is action: strengthening family support programs, training caregivers in positive discipline, and ensuring every child knows a trusted adult they can talk to.

Read the Full Report

Physical Abuse Survey · M'Lop Tapang Non-Formal Education Program · 2026