SARATOK: A total of 182 cases of domestic violence were reported to police in the first three months of this year.
Women, Early Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Deputy Minister Razi Sitam said of the number 118 cases involved violence against women and the remaining 64 violence committed against men.
According to him 16 of these cases were reported in the Betong division alone.
In highlighting the scope of the problem at hand, Razi said the ministry, its partners and agencies were committed to addressing the issue and, more importantly, helping the victims.
He said the ministry through the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS) has been holding ‘Know Your Rights’ roadshows to highlight their role on the matter.
“My ministry through the department has taken the initiative to highlight the role of relevant agencies and strategic partners in helping victims of domestic violence,” he said while officiating at the roadshow here recently.
He explained that this programme was implemented to provide space for the community in Saratok to gain knowledge and exposure regarding domestic violence including women’s rights under the law in dealing with domestic violence issues.
“Among the agencies and strategic partners involved are the Women and Children Sexual Crimes Investigation Department and the PDRM Amanita Squad, the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS), Saratok Hospital, the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (Jais), Council for Customs and Tradition Sarawak (MAIS) and National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
“The JWKS Helpline can be reached by anyone to get advice, counseling and legal procedures from the agencies and strategic partners,” he said.
Razi in the meantime emphasised how important it is to maintain harmony in the family because cases of domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of background.
“Each individual in the community should be aware of domestic violence incidents around them, then be ready to provide the necessary help in any form,” he added.
It is understood that a total of 288 participants attended the two-day programme, the next of which will be held in Long Lama, Miri.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, JWKS Assistant Director Ahmad Il Yassin Azman, Saratok District Officer Haron Mahidi were also present.
