TAWAU: The 531 domestic violence cases reported in Sabah so far this year indicate that more needs to be done, including reaching victims whose cases remain unreported.
State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Assistant Minister Datuk Rina Jainal said advocacy programmes must be expanded to raise public awareness and encourage more victims to come forward and seek help.
She said such programmes also ensure that assistance from relevant government agencies and departments can be delivered more effectively to victims.
“More than 50 domestic violence cases have been recorded in Tawau, while the Statewide total has reached 531 cases so far. There are also many cases that remain unreported,” she said.
Rina said the Government has introduced new initiatives to encourage victims who are reluctant to seek help due to various constraints, including providing financial incentives to support those who come forward, while ensuring their identities remain confidential.
She added that at the State level, the Sabah Department of Women’s Affairs (Jhewa) provides various forms of assistance to victims, including welfare support, counselling, advisory services and other necessary assistance.
“Our hope is to reduce the incidence of domestic violence and encourage more victims — not only women and children, but anyone experiencing abuse — to stand up for their rights and seek the help they deserve,” she said at the KRT Prismanita Advocacy Programme and the Women’s Wellbeing Advocacy Programme on Domestic Violence (Aku Wanita @ KRT) at the Tawau Community Hall, Wednesday.
Also present was Director-General of the Department of Women’s Development, Hanani Sapit.
Rina said domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse but also includes psychological and emotional abuse, which can have severe and long-lasting effects on victims.
“Such abuse can have a devastating impact on victims’ mental health, leaving them unable to act and causing them to lose the motivation to move forward with their lives,” she said.
She stressed that domestic violence should no longer be regarded as a private family matter, but as a serious social issue that affects community wellbeing, human capital development and the future of the next generation.
Rina said the strong turnout at the programme sent a clear message that society is no longer willing to tolerate any form of abuse within the home.
More than 700 participants attended the two-day programme, which began on Tuesday, including representatives from government departments and agencies, as well as members of the public from various backgrounds.
Programme activities included talks, sharing sessions by representatives from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Tawau Hospital and the Social Welfare Department, as well as a Rahmah sales programme and stalls featuring local entrepreneurs.
