Domestic violence is a problem we have all heard of but its severity is underrated, as the victims tend to, for various reasons, keep the problem to themselves. They prefer to suffer in silence.
According to statistics by the Police and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, there were 5796 domestic violence cases in 2016. Many more, however, went unreported.
Perak Women for Women Society (PWW), a registered Ipoh-based non-governmental organisation, advocates the prevention of violence against women. It too assists women and children in crisis while promoting women’s rights and gender equality.
PWW was invited to give a series of talks on domestic violence at ITL BioMedical Manufacturing in Batu Gajah, as part of its empowerment programme for its staff.
The first talk, held on Monday, August 21, was attended by 40 of its technical staff. It was a lively interactive session. Many questions were posed and answered.
Society’s advocacy officer, Mary Anne Joseph, explained the various aspects of domestic violence. She told them their rights as defined in the newly-passed Domestic Violence Act 2017.
The attendees’ eagerness to listen and question amplifies the need for awareness on the issue of domestic violence. Awareness among Malaysians, especially the authorities, regrettably, is rather poor. The society is determined to correct this imbalance.
For more information on PWW, please visit its website at www.pww.org.my or Facebook at Perak Women for Women Society.
Siew Keen
