KUCHING: Laws need to be updated from time to time in tandem with changes taking place in the world. Thus, with the amendments to the Domestic Violence (Amendment Bill) 2017 which was passed by both Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) and Dewan Negara (Senate) is welcomed by all, said Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Soo Li Ching.
Soo said the old law of 1994 has been outdated and how we perceived the views of the people on marriage has been different compared to 20 years ago.
“During that time women would not consider a divorce even when they are faced with domestic violence and they might not even know their rights. Also, the law may not have been wide enough in protecting their rights. However, things have changed nowadays,” she said.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, Soo added has done a great job and putting every effort in the amendments to the law.
“I believe every woman would highly appreciate the amendments. The amendment is needed as it rectifies the flaws, to further enhance protection on the victims, to fill up the weaknesses that arise from the previous Domestic Violence Law,” she said.
Soo added that it was good and right that the definition of Domestic Violence has been widen to the extend which include protecting the victims from being deprived of their properties causing them to suffer distress as a result of financial loss, the fear inflicted on the safety of third party and insulting through electronic medium.
“The form of Domestic Violence has been changed and not only limited to physical injury but the worst is the psychological, emotional and mental abuses which are silent injuries,” she said.
She also pointed out that with the Social Welfare Department Officers given the authority to issue the Emergency Protection Order (EPO). It helps to reduce bureaucracy.
“Domestic Violence is immediate and dangerous and threats are immediate and the victims would urgently need immediate protection. Waiting for the court to issue Protection Order may cause delay in protecting the victims. By giving the authority to the Social Welfare Department officer, EPO can be done immediately after a review,” Soo said.
