Tackling domestic violence

The Star

5 days ago

PETALING JAYA: In tackling the rise in domestic violence, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has come up with a platform to discuss such issues to better protect victims.
These matters will be discussed in the Committee to Address Domestic Violence, which itself comprises three working committees, namely the Domestic Violence Protection Committee, the Advocacy and Capacity Development Committee and the Data Committee.
The police are a permanent member of all the committees, it said in a statement.
On what victims can do to protect themselves, the ministry advised that if the police open an investigation paper, the victim can make an application to obtain an Interim Protection Order (IPO) in court under the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521).
'If the perpetrator is charged in court, the victim can then make an application to obtain a Protection Order (PO),' the ministry said.
It added that the victim can also apply for an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) from an authorised social welfare officer.
An EPO is an order that is only valid for seven days and does not require a police report.
The victim, however, must make a police report if there is a breach of the order.
Apart from the wife or husband, domestic violence victims can include the ex-wife or ex-husband, children, incapacitated adults and other family members.
The provisions of Section 326A of the Penal Code (Act 574) indicate that proof of a 'family' relationship is essential for the imposition of a heavier sentence.
Sections 323, 324, 325, 326, 334 or 335 of the Penal Code also deal with the offences and punishment that may twice extend the maximum term.
The ministry said if violence occurs outside of a marriage, such as cohabitation, romantic relationships and others, it does not come under Act 521.
However, agencies under the ministry can assist victims, such as providing counselling and other appropriate services.
The perpetrator can still be prosecuted according to the provisions of Act 574.
On Wednesday, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said a total of 2,467 cases of domestic violence were recorded nationwide from January to April this year.
She said studies showed that housewives were the largest group of domestic violence victims.
Those seeking help, or know anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, can contact the police or call Talian Kasih at 15999 or via WhatsApp at 019-251 5999.