Domestic violence cases in Sarawak up nearly 20 pct in 2024
KUCHING (Aug 19): Domestic violence cases in Sarawak rose from 465 in 2023 to 552 in 2024, an increase of almost 20 per cent, according to Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
She stressed that domestic violence affects both women and men, and called for a united response across society.
'Violence can happen to anyone – regardless of gender, age, income, or background.
'It is not only physical; emotional manipulation, financial control and long-term psychological harm are equally damaging,' Fatimah said.
Her speech text was delivered by her deputy, Rosey Yunus, who represented her in officiating at the closing ceremony of the two-day Breaking the Silence: Violence Prevention in Sarawak forum at a hotel here today.
Fatimah said statistics showed that in 2023, there were 178 male victims and 287 female victims, while in 2024, the numbers rose to 181 male victims and 371 female victims.
Kuching recorded the highest number of cases, rising from 162 to 190, while Miri saw a drop from 131 to 110.
She highlighted that the Sarawak government has implemented several initiatives to tackle the issue, including the 'Know Your Rights' community outreach programme, the 'Pocket Talk' webinar series, and the establishment of One Stop Crisis Centres (OSCCs) in hospitals statewide to provide medical, police and psychological support.
Additional support comes from Jabatan Bantuan Guaman Sarawak, which provides legal aid and protection orders, and the Welfare Department, which offers temporary shelters and assistance with court proceedings.
However, Fatimah emphasised that addressing domestic violence requires a whole-of-society approach, involving government, NGOs, community leaders, corporations, and the public.
'We must break the culture of silence.
'Society must no longer treat 'minding others' business' as gossip, but as an act of helping.
'If we hear cries or signs of distress, we must not stay silent,' she said.
The forum, organised by the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) with support from government agencies and NGOs, brought together community leaders, civil society groups, and stakeholders to formulate recommendations for a holistic action plan.
Fatimah closed her address by reaffirming the state's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Sarawakians.
'As a state that upholds the principle of no one left behind, we must build a Sarawak where every citizen lives free from violence, respected, and safe,' she said.
Also present were KPWK permanent secretary Datu Felicia Tan and MPS executive secretary Riziandy Nawawi. domestic violence Fatimah Abdullah Rosey Yunus
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