KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 (Bernama) — A total 765 complaints of domestic violence have been received via Talian Nur 15999 and looked into by the Social Welfare Services Department (JKM) from 2008 to Oct 8 this year.
Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun told the Dewan Rakyat, wives or husbands who were victims of domestic violence including emotional abuse, could report their problems to the police or JKM for further action.
She said based on the amendment to the Domestic Violence Act 1994, which was formulated and enforced last year, emotional or psychological abuse whether faced by the husband or wife was considered as domestic violence.
“Under the act, action can be taken against the perpetrator for psychological abuse, not just for physical injuries.
“A victim can lodge a report to JKM or police. After a complaint is lodged, JKM will seek to protect the victim by removing him or her from where the offender is staying,” she said when replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim (BN-Kuala Selangor).
Irmohizam wanted to know how victims of domestic violence including emotional abuse involving husbands or wives received the protection of JKM.
Azizah said, the ministry had provided 41 safe houses under JKM and non-governmental organisations nationwide to protect victims of domestic violence.
Replying to the original question from Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai), Azizah said 42,449 domestic violence cases were reported from 2000 and 2012, based on police statistics.
She said the ministry had carried out numerous steps to reduce domestic violence which received encouraging public support.
“The cooperation from all, namely, government agencies, private sector, non-governmental organisations, academicians and members of the community is important to help overcome the problems of domestic violence,” she added.
— BERNAMA
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