F.A.M.I.L.Y. is all about “Father and Mother I Love You”! Have you heard about this? Whether the word stands for that or not, you can’t deny the truth behind it. A family consists of a father, mother, and their broods loving each other dearly. But, what we are hearing and seeing in today’s family amid the Movement Control Order (MCO) is heartbreaking. Why is there a need to be violent to someone you love?
According to NST report earlier this month, Malaysia has seen an increase in the number of domestic violence cases following the Movement Control Order (MCO), which was imposed since March 18. This is based on data gathered from the Women and Family Development Ministry and NGOs attending to domestic violence cases.
Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff, the deputy minister said that the ministry’s Talian Kasih hotline had seen a 57 percent spike, which means a total of 1,893 calls received from women in distress up to March 26. Most issues were on marital, financial, and domestic violence. Datuk said that while calls for help would be channelled to the respective district welfare offices, the ministry also works closely with all the other relevant agencies such as police, and counsellors in addressing the reports.
Why Domestic Violence?
Well, there are few factors that could lead to domestic abuse, especially during the MCO. Based on Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) Advocacy and Communications officer Tan Heang-Lee, she said the organisation received an average of 10.5 calls and enquiries per day between March 1 and 17. However, between March 18 and 31, it received reports of 12 cases daily. So what could possibly trigger the abuse?
Locked in Together
- Power & Control
For some families who were busy with their outside lives, couldn’t be bothered what was happening in their domestic lives – this sudden locked down period could come as hard as it could be for their freedom was taken away. To be in control and in power could be what they want to portray thus led to violent behaviour.
Domestic violence survivors are at greater risk because they are trapped in the house all day with the abuser. It is also more dangerous for them to seek help, as the abuser may be monitoring their every move.” – Tan Heang-Lee, WAO
- Financial Difficulty
Many families during this MCO have lost their income especially those who depend on their day to day income. They are totally cut off from their source of income. The conflict between the husband and wife could aggravate violence.
- Social and Psychological Pressure
According to Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) program director Karen Lai Yu Lee, WCC received 14 phone calls in the first week of the MCO (March 18 to 24) but that number increased to 36 cases in the second week (March 25 to 31). Mostly called up WCC to request for financial, food, grocery aid and a few people experiencing anxiety and loneliness due to the MCO.
We anticipate that the numbers will go up in the coming weeks. The number of new domestic violence cases referred to us by the One-Stop Crisis Centres (OSCCs) of Penang hospitals also tripled, from two cases to six cases in the second week. This is a cause for concern.
On the other hand, All Women’s Action Society (Awam) Programs and Operations manager Nisha Sabanayagam said issues of domestic abuse, mental health, and discrimination was exacerbated during the MCO due to the inability of survivors to socialize or leave their home freely.
These groups of people are at a higher risk of spiraling into depression, thus becoming vulnerable to a different set of health issues. In the case of women who are separated from their husbands and are now forced to live in close quarters with their spouse, she said, this would open them up to physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse.
“Not being able to seek medical help immediately could potentially lead to dire, even fatal consequences,”
Yes, you should worry. This is not something you can take it lightly. If you need help, you could contact the Talian Kasih hotline at 15999 or WhatsApp +6019-2615999. The hotline is available 24 hours everyday.
You can also reach out to the Women’s Aid Organisation at +603 79563488 or WhatsApp +6018-9888058.
Your silence will not protect you, hence, if you are one of the victims, do seek help. Stay safe!
