DOMESTIC violence is no more a personal issue but a social problem that needs due attention, says state executive councillor for non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng.
She said this during the virtual launch of the eighth edition of the ‘Penang Goes Orange’ (PGO) campaign themed ‘Safe Family: Connect, Commit, Collective’ today.
“Domestic violence is no more an individual’s problem, but it is indeed a social problem that must be brought into limelight as it physically impacts the victims, especially women and children.
“There were also incidences resulting in death. Therefore, the state government looks seriously into matters pertaining to domestic violence,” she said.
According to Chong Eng, the state government, in partnership with the Penang Women Development Corporation (PWDC), is taking proactive steps to help the victims of domestic violence.
“The state government has introduced the ‘Penang Safe Family Policy’ last year after seeing an increase in the number of cases involving domestic violence during the movement control order period.
“Under this policy, the ‘First Support Point’ counter was set up at various state agencies, local government offices, state assemblymen’s service centres, religious bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGO’s), social movements and other parties at the grassroots level.
“I also hope that the victims would be bold enough to defend their rights of not allowing to be abused by the perpetrators as the state government is backing them up,’’ she added.
Apart from that, Chong Eng said the PWDC, in collaboration with the Penang Geographic Information System Centre (PeGIS), has created the ‘First Support Point Application’ app to help victims get immediate help.
“The ‘First Support Point Application’ app can provide the information on the location of the nearest ‘First Support Point’ service centre and help them to get immediate assistance.
“I would like to urge all families to choose happiness over violence so as to build a strong and harmonious family,’’ she said.
Meanwhile, Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, who was the guest of honour at the launch, urged the public to join hands in curbing domestic violence in the state.
“I would like to call on all Penangites to join hands to curb domestic violence as well as to provide assistance to the victims.
“Neighbours, colleagues and people around the victim can make a report on domestic violence. One small act of yours can make a big difference in the lives of the victims,’’ he said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar