Perak Women for Women Society (PWW), in collaboration with the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM), organised a workshop on Domestic Violence (DV) on Saturday, September 7 at Impiana Hotel Ipoh. This workshop, which was fully funded by KL Sogo, was aimed at bringing greater awareness on the issues of domestic violence to the public, and to better understand its impact on Muslim women especially.
The first speaker, Halida Mohd Ali, Vice President of PWW, spoke on the occurrence and prevalence of DV, why it happens, and the challenges faced when handling victims. This was followed by a presentation by Mangaleswary, President-Elect and Legal Adviser of PWW, on Domestic Violence Act 1994 and the legal protection accorded for victims of domestic violence.
A panel discussion, consisting of speakers from the various service providers, was next. Dr Azmir Anuar, physician of the Emergency and Trauma Department of Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh spoke on the One Stop Crisis Centre at the hospital and how it treats those suffering from injuries caused by domestic violence. DSP Siti Azzah of D11 of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Royal Malaysia Police related the roles of her department in issuing Interim Protection Orders (IPO) for victims of domestic violence.
Department of Social Welfare Perak’s Prakash Kumar described the various services provided by the department. Kartina from Sisters in Islam quoted verses from the Koran relating to the treatment of women. Finally, Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Abdul Rahman, a consultant psychiatrist and Deputy Dean of Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Royal College of Medicine, Perak, enlightened the 100-odd participants on how victims of domestic violence undergo trauma, feel helpless and trapped and go into depression.
A legal clinic was set up by the Perak Legal Aid Department offering free legal advice and information on laws to protect victims of DV.
Mrs Malaysia Universe, Mrs Carol Lee, who represented KL Sogo, in her opening remarks, asked that all work together to stop the carnage from spreading. Carol Lee is currently on a nationwide campaign against domestic violence with KL Sogo and AWAM.
It was an informative forum for all.
Ed
