KUCHING: Frontliners should use social media to make it easier for domestic violence victims to reach out to them, said a women rights activist.
While phones are the common platform, the victims should be given the option to use emails and social media applications, such as Instagram or WhatsApp, as an effective communication mode to reach out to frontliners.
“We are moving on a different platform and seeking ways to help and bring awareness to the community in general,” said Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) president Margaret Bedus.
She was speaking at the launch of a two-day training programme on ‘Domestic Violence Frontliners Training (DVFT)’ which began here, today (July 20).
Margaret said the training programme will be followed up with a radio talk show on RTM on domestic violence in seven languages, namely English, Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Kayan and Kenyah.
“This is to ensure that we can reach out to women or victims who live in rural areas who have no one or nowhere to turn to.
“We are also going to reach out to the village chiefs to talk to them more on this issue because they are also frontliners, just like us and you, the participants of this training programme,” she said.
Sixty members of non-governmental bodies (NGOs) are participating in the training programme.
Organised by SWWS and sponsored by the Department of Women and Family of Sarawak (JWKS) the programme is designed to increase participants’ level of knowledge and awareness on issues surrounding domestic violence. It is also aimed at building their confidence and enhancing their skills to provide advocacy and supportive services to victims.
Margaret noted that in recent years, there has been an increase in domestic violence cases as reported by women’s organisations in the country.
“The problem is largely underreported and remains unrecognised, hidden and unresolved due to stigma and shame.
“Furthermore, an alarming trend of this violence is reported among young women aged 15 to 24 years and has been noted globally by the World Health Organisation in 2021,” she said.
That said, she also added that there is a pressing need for education and capacity building of frontline workers – both from government and NGOs – to address the issue of domestic violence or intimate partner violence.
Later at a press conference, Maragret highlighted the issue domestic violence and the need to educate the community about this aggressive behaviour within the home.
