KUCHING: Economic strain and third-party involvement are the foremost factors behind domestic violence cases in the country.
Federal Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri asserted that an inability to meet the financial needs of the family can create tensions, prompting some individuals to lash out in violent ways.
“There are several factors contributing to domestic violence. One of them is economics.
“When individuals feel financially pressured at home and unable to meet the needs of their spouse or family, it can lead to tensions and, in some cases, violence. While substance abuse may play a role in some instances, it is not the primary factor. Mostly, it is economics.
“Another factor is the involvement of third parties in marital relationships. This includes situations where a successful husband may have another woman alongside him, creating additional strain.
“When a third party becomes involved, it can exacerbate existing tensions and increase the likelihood of domestic violence,” she said during a press conference after officiating at the ‘Semarak Skuad Waja’ programme here Saturday (Feb 17).
Earlier, Nancy said Sarawak recorded the third-highest number of domestic violence cases after Selangor and Kedah, with a total of 2,345 cases from 2020 to 2023.
In 2023, there were 473 reported cases of domestic violence in Sarawak, compared to 624 cases in 2022, indicating a slight decrease of 24.2 per cent.
However, she lamented that Sarawak remains the third-highest state for domestic violence cases.
Addressing the issue of underreporting, Nancy pointed out that feelings of shame, dependency on the perpetrator, and uncertainty about the reporting process often deter victims from seeking help.
Additionally, she said concerns about the safety of children, particularly in cases of child abuse, further complicate the decision-making process for victims.
“The reason Sarawak appears to have a high number of cases is because many are reported.
“It’s not fair to claim that the situation in Sarawak is worse simply because other states don’t have high numbers.
“Perhaps in other states, there aren’t as many reports, possibly due to the factors we mentioned earlier,” she added.
To address these challenges, the Santubong MP stressed that initiatives such as the ‘Skuad Waja’ have been established to provide support and assistance to individuals within communities who may be at risk of domestic violence.
She said local leaders, including village chiefs and community leaders such as penghulu, play a crucial role in promoting awareness and facilitating interventions in cases of domestic violence, thereby fostering a safer environment for all community members.
