Domestic violence against women on the rise in state
KUCHING: The number of cases of domestic violence against women is increasing and exposes a worrying trend in Sarawak.
Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said yesterday that there was a rise in total number of cases reported in 2016 compared to other years.
“According to statistics on violence against women and children from January to December 2016, there were 427 domestic violence cases reported. The figure is worst than for 2014 and 2015,” she said.
The figure was clearly the highest compared to other forms of violence with rape registering 138 cases, molestation (41 cases), sodomy (12 cases), child abuse (28 cases) and baby dumping (10 cases).
In the first two months of this year, domestic violence continued to top the list with 73 cases reported, while rape registered 20 cases, molest (eight cases), sodomy (one case), child abuse (five cases) and baby dumping (zero).
Fatimah revealed this at a state-level International Women’s Day celebration held at Yayasan Sarawak here.
The chief minister’s wife Datin Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang officiated at the celebration themed ‘Be Bold for Change, Women’s Power’.
With violence against women and children remaining a major concern and problem in Sarawak, the state-level International Women’s Day celebration witnessed the activation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which has been reviewed and improvised to better manage and administer these cases.
“We have come up with the SOP together with relevant agencies and organisations. The aim is to speedily, efficiently and appropriately deliver the necessary assistance to victims of violence, including children.
“We want to ensure that the welfare and wellbeing of the victims are addressed adequately as a priority,” she said.
Fatimah believed the SOP would increase public confidence in the system, particularly the victims, so they would be encouraged to come forward to report cases.
“Be bold to change and don’t suffer in silence.
“All sectors and parties including parents, community, agencies and various organisations need to play their role to help tackle this problem in our society.”
Juma’ani meanwhile called on all Sarawak women to enhance collaboration with their male counterparts regardless of position, title, race and religion.
“This is important so that all of us can work cohesively towards our common goal and advance into the future as well as ensure the development of Sarawak.
“We are proud that women have overcome various barriers and obstacles to climb to the top in the public and private sectors,” she said.
Assistant Minister of Early Childhood Education and Family Development Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Women and Family Department director Noriah Ahmad, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas’ wife Datin Amar Doreen Lee, and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hiang’s wife Datin Enn Ong were among those present.