PETALING JAYA: While the lower within the variety of domestic violence instances may appear to be a optimistic improvement, by all accounts, this discount is barely as a result of many instances go unreported.
This was confirmed on Feb 17 by Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who mentioned reported instances of domestic violence may not absolutely mirror such incidents because of underreporting.
She had earlier introduced that there was formally a decline in reported domestic violence instances to five,507 in 2023 in contrast with 6,540 in 2022.
All Women’s Action Society mentioned it’s an accepted proven fact that domestic violence continues to be a significant crime in Malaysia.
However, its spokesperson mentioned it’s troublesome to quantify the numbers that go unreported.
She mentioned relationship conflicts, and monetary and different stress may cause stress inside intimate relationships and improve the danger of violence.
She mentioned in unhealthy or abusive relationships, conflicts usually escalate into violence as one or each companions lack efficient communication abilities.
“Because of this, they construct up anger and frustration, which they’re unable to handle, or have unresolved points from previous experiences which spiral into domestic violence.
“Other elements reminiscent of financial instability, unemployment, debt or monetary dependence on one accomplice also can contribute to frustration and result in elevated stress and battle.”
She mentioned aside from that, despair, nervousness, persona issues, and alcohol and drug dependancy can be contributing elements.
The spokesperson careworn that the consequences of domestic violence can be profound and far-reaching, and influence numerous points of a person’s bodily, emotional and psychological well-being.
“The most blatant indicators can be seen in a variety of bodily accidents, together with bruises, cuts, damaged bones and inside accidents, the place victims may additionally expertise power ache and well being points.”
In extreme instances, domestic violence can result in everlasting incapacity and even demise.
“Given the complexity and variability of particular person circumstances, it’s difficult to say what number of domestic violence instances go unreported.”
Meanwhile, syariah lawyer and lecturer Dr Nabiqul Hakim Azuar mentioned lots of domestic violence instances are likely to go unreported because of concern of repercussions.
“Victims concern retaliation or escalation of violence in the event that they report the abuse, particularly if the perpetrator is a partner or intimate accomplice.
“Social stigma can be another excuse as many victims really feel ashamed or embarrassed to confess they’re being abused, significantly in the event that they concern judgement from their neighborhood or family members.”
Nabiqul Hakim mentioned victims usually concern being ostracised or blamed for frightening violence, and this prevents them from reaching out for assist.
He mentioned in some cultures or communities, there may be robust taboos towards discussing household issues exterior the house or looking for assist from the authorities as it would trigger disgrace to their household.
On April 12, a 61-year-old girl in Kulim, Kedah, died in a suspected case of domestic violence.
An post-mortem revealed that the deceased had suffered accidents to her head and in addition had previous in addition to new bruises all through her physique, allegedly on account of domestic violence.
Police mentioned the deceased’s 57-year-old husband has been arrested and positioned beneath remand till in the present day to help within the investigation.
Nabiqul Hakim suggested victims of abuse not to attend however instantly search assist from relations or the related NGOs.
