2007 01: 40% of women are victims of domestic violence

The Sun online. Local News. Mon, 08 Jan 2007

Mohd Tajudin

PENANG (Jan 8, 2007): Nearly 40% of women in Malaysia are victims of domestic violence by their partners or husbands, Wanita MCA chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said.

She said the disturbing figure was released by the police based on domestic violence statistics for 2005.

"The figure is a concern for us, but there are still more of such cases which are not reported to the authorities due to fear or lack of awareness.

"This situation has caused such violence to be repeated on the victims, and it is also a contributing factor to the increased incidence of rape, child abuse and incest cases in the country."

Ng said many women accept domestic violence as part of their lives.

"This is wrong as women have to wake up and realise what they can do about it and how to make it stop," she told reporters after officiating at a talk on the prevention of violence organised by the Women's Division of the Malaysian Federation of Hainan Associations at the Han Chiang College here yesterday.

Ng noted that the problem of domestic violence appeared to be worsening.

"For example, there were 2.4 rape cases reported daily in 1993. This figure more than doubled to 5.3 in 2005.

"This situation is taking its toll not only on the women but also on the children, which is why this kind of seminar is important to disseminate information and (raise) an awareness among women of their rights," she said.

Ng also urged members of the public to report cases of domestic violence to the authorities or to non-governmental organisations.

"This is the first positive step to stop domestic violence and protect women from being victims in such cases," she said.