Not all calls to Talian Kasih are about domestic violence - Women's Ministry

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry today denied that there had been a 57 percent increase in domestic violence.

This is after its Talian Kasih line saw a 57 percent increase in calls during the movement control order (MCO) period.

The ministry, in a statement today, said not all calls were related to domestic violence.

"The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry denied reports of an increase in domestic violence cases through the ministry's Talian Kasih.

"The article claimed domestic violence increased by 57 percent during the MCO is completely untrue.

"The increase in the number of calls encompasses all categories including calls related to Covid-19, requesting assistance from the Social Welfare Department, counselling and other cases," it said.

The ministry did not mention the article it is referring to or provided the numbers for the respective cases.

"The ministry would also like to request for cooperation from all quarters not to misinterpret, through publications, the data related to calls about domestic violence published on the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry's website during the MCO period," it said.

The ministry said it took every call, including relating to domestic violence, seriously.

It said for such cases, the ministry will act in accordance with the Child Act 2001 and Domestic Violence Act 1994.

Earlier today, the New Straits Times reported that the Talian Kasih had seen 1,893 calls from women in distress as of March 26, a 57 percent rise.

It quoted Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Siti Zailah Yusoff as saying that the issues raised were related to financial constraints, marital problems and domestic problems.

“There is indeed a slight increase in (domestic violence) cases, largely due to stress (of abusive partners from) being confined to their homes. The situation is, however, still under control.

“We understand that being in a situation like this could trigger tension and stress. Some are hot-tempered, and they take it out on their wives. There are also cases where the husbands and children are victims,” she was quoted as saying. - Mkini