Wanita MCA to domestic violence victims: Seeking help is not a sign of weakness



The slight drop in reported domestic violence cases since the implementation of the Movement Control Order in March last year may offer mild relief. From 5,260 cases reported from March to end 2020 compared to 4,905 reports filed between January and August this year as informed by Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato’ Seri Rina Harun in the Dewan Rakyat on 23 Sept 2021, these figures however, remain staggering. They may not reflect the actual situation which certainly has higher numbers as many spouses continue to suffer in silence.

Wanita MCA wants to assure victims of domestic violence that there are avenues for help.

Our Wanita MCA Legal Advisory & Women's Aid Centre is available for counselling or legal advice and is contactable at 03-2716 5943.

Alternatively, the following may be contacted for help or to report domestic violence cases:

1)    Talian Kasih 15999 or Whatsapp 019-261 5999 by the Social Welfare Department

2)    Nearest police station

3)    Women’s NGOs

Besides filing a police report, a victim of domestic violence may apply for 3 types of orders to restrain the abuser. They are the:

1)    Emergency Protection Order (EPO)

2)    Interim Protection Order (IPO)

3)    Protection Order (PO)

Likewise if there is any family member, friend, neighbour or colleague who knows one is a victim of domestic violence, do approach and advise the victim without fear. Accompany the victim to lodge a police report, and assist the victim to shift to a shelter with any NGO.

Trapped in misery
Often times, a battered wife refrains from lodging a police report out of fear and anxiety of further reprisals from her abusive husband, and in-laws, or that she still believes that her husband will change his ways for the better and thus still want to salvage the marriage. As a mother, she would not desire to see her children grow up without a father and hence will endure and put up with the torment. An abused wife may be persuaded from filing a police report or will be cajoled to withdraw it.

In a worst-case scenario, the abused wife may have been groomed into believing that it is her fault. Panged with guilt and doubts, she accepts the violence whilst carrying the burden that she maybe scorned if her marriage is seen to have failed or results with a divorce.

Meanwhile, society cannot ignore that there are husbands who are also physically and mentally abused by their wives. However, ego and pride prevent them from seeking help or counselling, as it would appear disconcerting that a male was abused and allowed himself to be mistreated by his wife.

Wanita MCA encourages victim of domestic violence to reach out for help before it is too late and tragedy strikes.  Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but to safeguard and rebuild one’s life.

Datuk Heng Seai Kie
Wanita MCA National Chairperson

-MCA online-