KOTA SAMARAHAN: The state government will not compromise with anyone involved in domestic violence.
Welfare, Community Well-Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the ministry was fully committed to setting up comprehensive profiling in an effort to address this issue.
“We are not only focusing on the victims but also the perpetrators. It is necessary to understand the whole scenario and actual reason that triggers this issue. Women often become the victim of domestic violence, especially involving married couples,” she said during a press conference after a visit to Samarahan Rehabilitation Centre, a shelter for domestic violence victims, yesterday.
According to statistics from the state Criminal Investigation Department, it was reported that between 2015 and 2017, cases of domestic violence had increased from 279 cases in 2015 to 535 cases in 2017.
However, from 2018 to September 2019, domestic violence cases decreased slightly, from 486 cases in 2018 to 413 cases recorded in September 2019.
Noting the alarming phenomenon in Sarawak, Fatimah said, “Most of the cases involved almost all ethnic groups in Sarawak. In 2019 alone, the majority of the victims are aged 29 and above.
The rest of the 70 cases involved young victims aged between 13 and 25.”
“The violence happens at home, usually perpetrated by husbands, boyfriends, fathers, mothers,” she added.
Stressing the need to remove the obstacles that prevented the victim from coming forward, Fatimah urged the community to be responsible, by offering protection to the victim if needed.
“Aside from the physical abuse, most survivors are also financially abused, with income taken away from them. Itʼs the financial insecurity — no job, no cash, no credit — that can make it very difficult for victims to leave their abusers for good.
“It is a huge step for women to seek help. Most of victims are those who are unemployed because they’ve been in this cycle of abuse for a long time.
“It is inconceivable that women should have to go through such terrifying and emotional situations and more often than not, they feel isolated, depressed and afraid. And truth be told, more than a little terrified of having to start life all over again, by themselves,” the minister said.
“We, as the community, should help them to be safe and motivate them to believe that they will have a chance to start life all over again, free from abuse and violence,” she elaborated.
“The ministry has provided a hotline where victims can reach us at 082-4448866 (available for office hours) or contact the Social Welfare department 24 hours helpline at 082-514141.
“It helps provide a veil of anonymity for those who aren’t ready to make hard decisions yet,” Fatimah pointed out.
She also advised victims, especially wives, to escape from toxic relationships as it could have a long-term negative effect on their children’s development.
“Your children will suffer from this severe pain. It can affect their social and emotional wellbeing long term,” she reminded.
