WAO: Domestic violence report tripled since pre-MCO

CORONAVIRUS | The Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) has received over 800 reports on domestic violence last month, more than three times the figure it recorded in February before the start of the movement control (MCO) period.

WAO executive director Sumitra Visvanathan (above) said 250 domestic violence reports were received in February through its telephone hotline and messaging services, and the following months recorded an increase of over three times the figure.

"The sharp rise in domestic violence that we’ve witnessed during the MCO period is extremely concerning.

"When survivors are put into a situation of isolation with their abusers, this creates circumstances where it is even easier for the abuser to exert control physically, emotionally and socially," she said.

According to Sumitra, WAO initially reported a 1.4 times increase in WAO Hotline calls and WhatsApp messaging enquiries from February to March, when MCO came into effect.

Subsequently, she said the organisation observed a much greater spike over the following months - 898 inquiries in April and 848 inquiries in May, respective increases of 3.6 and 3.4 times the February level.

"The MCO was necessary to control Covid-19, but the government must also recognise that for many women and children home is not a safe haven – but actually quite the opposite," she said.

In the earlier phases of the MCO, WAO and police noted a slight decrease in calls and reports of domestic violence, at the time attributing it to little opportunities for victims to escape their abusers. 

On part of the government, Sumitra noted some positive steps towards providing help for domestic violence survivors, including through the National Security Council's public service announcements on the Talian Kasih hotline, as well as linking the Health Ministry's Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre with WAO’s Hotline.

At the same time, she said there have also been gaps and uncertainty in the government’s response to domestic violence, especially in the first month of the MCO.

Among others, it was found that some enforcement officers were unclear whether they should investigate domestic violence cases; there's a lack of clarity on how to obtain interim protection orders when courts are closed; lack of direction to survivors and public on services available; and whether survivors could exit their homes.

Further, Sumitra said there remains to be inadequate availability of temporary shelters, financial aid not adequately targeted for survivors, and an overall lack of resources for domestic violence services.

"This pandemic has presented us with significant learnings.

"We must use the knowledge gained during the first MCO period to ensure that we are better prepared for future emergencies and that survivors of domestic violence are not falling through the cracks as we work to contain the health and economic fallouts from Covid-19," she said.

She said the preparation measures include ensuring adequate staffing for the Talian Kasih hotline and a clear mandate for domestic violence protection orders to be applied for and issued online.

Talian Kasih can be contacted on the phone line at 15999 or on WhatsApp at 0192615999.

WAO meanwhile can be reached via its Hotline at 03-7956 3488 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA helpline at 018-988 8058. - Mkini