Kota Kinabalu: A total of 362 cases of domestic violence were reported in Sabah between January and October this year.
“Statistics from the State Police Criminal Investigation Department showed an increase compared to last year’s 301 cases,” said State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib.
There are serious psychological and physical ramifications for victims of violence, which makes this situation quite concerning.
“It is not impossible to end domestic abuse, but it will need dedication and a sense of duty on the part of all Sabahans.
“Related parties, especially the Sabah Women Affairs Department (Jhewa), need to carry out more awareness programmes to expose people to the issue of violence against women,” he said when officiating the Elimination of Violence against Women Day; “Sleeping with the Enemy: Violence Against Women” programme here.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister Datuk Flovia Ng.
According to James, the Ministry has also started the “We Eliminate Violence against Women (WeVAW) campaign” through Jhewa in order to guarantee that the agenda to eradicate violence against women may be executed successfully and comprehensively.
“WeVAW is being implemented in the 73 State constituencies from 2021 until 2025 under the Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and is included in the Santuni Wanita Flagship Outreach Programme,” he said.
He hoped Jhewa would keep up its regular efforts to meet the goal even after the flagship programme ends.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is observed on Nov 25 of each year, coincides with the “Sleeping with the Enemy: Violence Against Women” social support programme.
Present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Maria Chong and Jhewa Director Haslina Ismail.
“Violent crime is a familiar offence in Malaysia. Most of the victims are women and girls.
“The implications or effects of violence on the victims are very heavy both from their physical and mental aspects,” he said, adding that Jhewa has provided services of lawyers and counsellors to the needy or persecuted.
“Please ensure that this service is always publicised so that the entire state knows Jhewa can help them!” said James.
James, who is also Sugut Assemblyman, said he welcomed the presence of women, especially from civil servants and agencies, grassroots leaders, lawyers, counsellors and Women’s Associations (NGOs) who are committed to playing a role as the frontline to protect women victims of violence.
“As the Director of Jhewa, Hajah Haslina Ismail said in the text of her welcoming speech, WeVAW has been included in the Ministry’s Flagship Program through Jhewa, which is ‘Outreach Santuni Wanita’.
“This programme is a new initiative of a high-impact project in the Human Capital and People’s Well-Being sector in line with the direction of my Ministry for 2021 to 2025 under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) plan and will be implemented in 73 State constituencies,” he said.
He added that in 2023, as many as 20 constituencies held the Women’s Santuni Outreach Program, making the total number from 2021 to 2023 it has been implemented in 39 areas.
“The remaining 34 state assembly constituencies will be visited in 2024 or 2025.
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