‘All abuse victims need caring’

Protect the rights of cohabiting couples too, say MPs

UNMARRIED abuse victims should also be protected under the Domestic Violence Act 1994, argued lawmakers across the divide.

During debates on the Domestic Violence (Amendment) 2017 Bill, MPs said cohabiting couples should get the same protection as those who are married.

Currently, the law covers children, family members and spouses, along with those who tied the knot according to customary or religious ceremony and regardless of whether the marriage was legally registered.

This means those in relationships, including engaged couples, cannot get an Interim Protection Order (IPO) if they are abused by their partner.

Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (AmanahKota Raja) was the first MP to raise the point when the Bill was tabled for second reading.

“If people in a live-in relationship are being abused, they may seek redress under other laws but their case will not be classified as domestic abuse, so the victim will not be able to seek protection.

“Yes, their relationship is not bound by a legal contract but cohabiting couples have an emotional bond, and they are part of our society as well so they should have access to protection,” she said.

Datuk Wee Jeck Seng (BN-Tanjong Piai) agreed, saying the proposed amendments must at least specify the type of protection for unmarried couples.

“Efforts to reduce and prevent future cases of domestic violence would be far more effective if unmarried couples are included in the law.

“Give them rights as well, it will ensure either party is not taken advantage of by an abusive partner,” he said.

At a press conference later, Women, Family and Community Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the issue would be debated further in Parliament and would be addressed in her winding-up speech.