KUCHING: Domestic violence is still an issue in Malaysian society.
However, more and more women are now no longer afraid to get out from an abused relationship and speak out about their sufferings.
According to Sarawak Police Commissioner, CP Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri, from January to July 2021, a total of 414 domestic violence cases were reported, while for the same period this year, 345 domestic violence cases were reported..
“Among the main causes of domestic violence are drug abuse, hot temper and even threat of divorce.
“However, most victims rarely report because the issue of domestic violence is considered a personal problem and should be resolved within the family itself,” he said in an interview.
Azman added therefore, the government had taken proactive steps to enact the Domestic Violence Act 1994, [Act 521] taking into account views from related agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“This Act, which came into effect on June 1, 1996, aims to provide legal protection in situations of domestic violence and things that are incidental to it.
“This protection is given to victims,” he said.
Among the main amendments, he said, was the definition of domestic violence to include not only physical abuse but also psychological abuse and the use of intoxicating substances or any other substance that might cause delusion to the victim.
“As for the protection to the victims, when an information relating to a domestic violence offence is received directly from the police or through the Welfare Officer, then an Interim Protection Order (IPO) can be issued by the court while waiting for the police to conduct an investigation on domestic abuse. The life span of the IPO shall cease to be effective after the police have completed the investigation.
“According to Section 2 of the Domestic Violence Act, the police can also be Enforcement Officers. Section 19 (1), provides for a police officer responsible for helping the Domestic Violence (DV) victims to file an application for interim protection order (IPO),” he said.
Azman added the police also provided or arranged transportation to an alternative residence or safe place if transportation as required and provided or arranged transportation to the hospital to get treatment if it was needed.
Meanwhile, according to the Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, 630 cases of domestic violence (DV) were recorded in Sarawak in 2021.
These figures were based on statistics from the Criminal Investigation Department (D11), Sarawak PDRM Contingent.
“This shows an increased trend of 22.9 per cent (or 144 cases) compared to 486 cases in 2018.
Of that number, as many as 62 per cent (or 392 cases) of DV victims for the year 2021 were women compared to 38 per cent (or 238 cases) of male victims.
“The majority of cases of DV in 2021 are reported to occur among Malays (42 per cent or 265 cases). This is followed by the Ibans (27 per cent or 167 cases) and the Chinese (11 per cent or 67 cases),” she added.
“Kuching Division recorded the highest percentage of cases (37 per cent or 235 cases), followed by Miri Division (29 per cent or 184 cases) and Samarahan Division (9 per cent or 59 cases).
For 2021 as well, a total of 26 victims aged 18 and under were recorded compared to only 7 in 2018. This shows an increase of 73 (19 victims),
“A total of 83.2per cent (or 524 cases) of domestic violence in Sarawak in 2021 were caused by drugs and substances compared to only 76.8 per cent (or 589 cases) in 2018. This shows an increasing trend in terms of percentage of 6.4 per cent,” she said.
Apart from drug and substance problems, DV cases in Sarawak in 2021 were also reported to be caused by hot temper (5.7 per cent or 36 cases); divorce problems (4.6 per cent or 29 cases); cheating (2.2 per cent or 14 cases); jealousy (1.4 per cent or 9 cases); financial problems (1.4 per cent or 9 cases) and misunderstandings (1.1 per cent or 7 cases); gambling and property-related problems each recorded 0.2per cent (1 case).
