Lim Hui Ying: Women and Family Ministry outlines four approaches to tackle domestic violence

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) emphasises four key approaches in addressing the issue of domestic violence: prevention, protection, intervention, and rehabilitation.

Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Lim Hui Ying said these approaches are crucial to ensuring victims receive appropriate protection and support, including after they have left the abusive situation.

“To strengthen the family institution, our programmes emphasise prevention. Subsequently, when an incident occurs, we focus on protection. We must have intervention measures in place, and another vital aspect is rehabilitation,” she said during the Kasih Lensa Keluarga podcast titled ‘With Love, Violence Ends!’ (*Dengan Kasih, Keganasan Terhenti!*), which was broadcast live on Bernama TV yesterday.

Lim noted that rehabilitation is essential to ensure that victims who have escaped domestic violence situations can rebuild their lives and become self-reliant.

Protection for victims also encompasses three forms of legal protection orders: the Emergency Protection Order (EPO), issued by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) without requiring a police report; and the Interim Protection Order (IPO) and Protection Order (PO), both issued by the courts and requires a police report.

She said domestic violence is not the way to resolve family conflicts instead, issues should be addressed through communication, mutual respect, and open discussion.

“If violence or a threat to safety occurs, victims must seek help,” she said.

Meanwhile, Lim said KPWKM is collaborating with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the community to address this issue through a committee focused on data, education, capacity building, and protection.

She added that the community, including families and neighbours, must also play a role.

“Neighbours and family members need to shift their mindset and realize that this is not a matter of interfering in other people’s family affairs. Domestic violence is a crime; therefore, we can lodge a report,” she said.

The 24-hour Talian Kasih 15999 hotline serves as a channel for the public to lodge reports and seek advice as well as psychosocial counselling services, with complaints referred to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) for further action. — Bernama

* If you are experiencing domestic violence, the following hotlines offer free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); All Women’s Action Society at 016-2374221/016-2284221 (9.30am-5.30pm); and Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03-30008858 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA 018-9888058 (24/7).