DOMESTIC violence victims should not be left to suffer in silence, with the public urged to play a more active role in identifying suspected cases, lodging reports and helping victims access protection and support.
Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said domestic violence should not be regarded as a private family matter, as it required coordinated efforts from government agencies, hospitals, police and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
She said domestic violence was not limited to physical abuse but also included psychological and emotional abuse, financial control, threats, intimidation, sexual violence and restrictions on personal freedom.
Even threatening a victim’s pets, destroying household items or manipulating and controlling a victim could constitute psychological abuse, she added.
Lim said many victims were reluctant to seek help because they were traumatised, fearful or unaware of their rights and the assistance available.
Based on cases handled at her service centre, she said perpetrators often took advantage of victims who lacked a support system.
“When victims know there are people standing behind them and willing to help, perpetrators may become less confident in continuing their abusive behaviour.
“Instead of questioning why victims do not leave abusive relationships, we should understand the difficulties they face.
“Some have several children to care for and worry about how they would support themselves financially if they leave. Taking the first step is never easy.
“Society must stop judging victims and start offering them the support they need,” she said at a media conference at Komtar today.
On concerns raised during the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting involving a child who was allegedly abused and later taken home after receiving hospital treatment, Lim said the allegations had been investigated by the relevant authorities.
She stressed that no conclusions should be drawn or individuals blamed before investigations were completed, adding that the safety and protection of children must remain a priority.
Under the Child Act 2001, anyone who knows or suspects that a child is being abused or exposed to danger can lodge a report with the police, the Social Welfare Department or through Talian Kasih.
Lim also clarified that a child’s discharge from hospital did not necessarily mean all protection concerns had been resolved.
“If there are reasonable grounds to believe that a child remains at risk, the matter should be referred immediately to state Welfare Department child protection officers for further assessment and appropriate action,” she said.
Explaining the assistance available to domestic violence victims, Lim said they could lodge reports at any police station.
Those who sustained injuries were encouraged to seek treatment at the One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) in government hospitals, where medical personnel could document their injuries and coordinate referrals to the relevant authorities.
She pointed out the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521) also provided several protection mechanisms, including the Emergency Protection Order (EPO), which victims or their family members could apply for.
Victims facing immediate danger could contact 999, while assistance was also available through Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp at 019-261 5999.
Lim said the state government’s annual Penang Goes Orange campaign, introduced in 2014, had reached more than 30,000 people and continued to raise awareness about preventing violence against women and children.
The state government had also established First Support Point to provide initial support, guidance and referrals for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
She clarified that First Support Point was not a counselling centre and did not make decisions on behalf of victims.
Instead, it helped them understand their available options, allowing them to decide whether to lodge a police report, seek medical treatment or obtain further assistance.
Also present during the press conference were Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng, Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) executive director Karen Lai, Northeast District Social Welfare Department officer Tham Weng Keat and Southwest District Social Welfare Department officer Anas Harithah Ahmad.
Ong said 224 domestic violence cases were recorded in Penang between January and August this year, based on Department of Statistics data, averaging about one reported case a day.
However, she cautioned that the actual number could be higher as many cases went unreported.
She urged victims to seek help through the available support channels.
Meanwhile, Lai said WCC worked closely with all the hospitals in Penang to provide crisis counselling, legal advice, temporary shelter referrals and court support, subject to the victims’ consent
She said WCC also helped victims understand their legal rights and provided accompaniment during court proceedings.
Anas said state Welfare Department remains committed to helping victims obtain protection orders and access the necessary welfare and protection services.
Story by Edmund Lee