Checklist for survivors of domestic violence who need help

 

PETALING JAYA: The recent revelation that 902 domestic violence cases were reported in the first four months of 2021 has raised concerns among activists that abuse is on the rise.

The Women’s Aid Organisation said the pandemic had worsened the issue of domestic violence, especially under the movement control order.

WAO research and advocacy officer Anis Farid said the figure was startling as the government’s “Talian Kasih” helpline only received 651 cases of domestic violence in 2018.

Anis talked to FMT about how those suffering from domestic violence can get help.

Important things to remember

Once you decide you want to get help, remember you are not alone. Keep any evidence of physical abuse, such as pictures of injuries. Tell someone what you’re experiencing. If there are children at home, help them to identify a safe place to hide. Pack an emergency bag that includes important documents, money, clothes and keep it somewhere safe.

What should you do?

There are several 24-hour lines which you can contact for help:

• Police (999)
• WAO Hotline (03-30008858)
• WAO SMS or Whatsapp Line also known as TINA (0189888058)\
• “Talian Kasih” hotline (15999) or Whatsapp (0192615999)

Save these numbers under different names to prevent your partner from discovering them.

Head to a “One Stop Crisis Centre” (OSCC) at the emergency room of any government hospital for free treatment and assistance. It is not mandatory to make a police report for domestic violence in order to get medical treatment.

You can also obtain an “Emergency Protection Order” (EPO) by calling Talian Kasih or your nearest Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat office to make sure your abuser keeps their distance.

An EPO is valid for 7 days, the next step will be to apply for an Interim Protection Order (IPO) or Protection Order (PO). You can apply for this at a police station.

Then what?

Make a police report. You can report any act or threat of violence. In your police report, write down the details of the abuse, such as what happened, when it happened (date and estimated time), where it happened, and who was involved.

It is important to remember to get a copy of the police report. If you don’t want to press charges but would like to document the incident, you can make a “cover report” instead of an “action report”.

“WAO advises a survivor to make a report because it’s good to have a paper trail and documentation just in case anything happens. It can be useful moving forward in building a case against the abuser.

“Filing a report can also help a survivor get protection orders issued, which basically functions as a restraining order,” she said.

Anis said although domestic abuse survivors and their family members could apply for IPOs at the police station it was not applicable to non-married couples.

She said one of the biggest gaps in Malaysia’s laws was that it only recognised domestic violence within the confines of marriage.

“We urge the government to amend the law to ensure non-married domestic abuse survivors are better protected.

“Overall, our legal system needs to be survivor-centered. Survivors must feel supported every step of the way from the doctors at clinics to the police officers to the lawyers and the judges.

“Don’t be afraid to seek help, you are not alone. We’re here to support and guide you.” - FMT