Awam inks MoU with social workers' group to combat gender violence

 

The All Women’s Action Society (Awam) has announced a cooperation agreement with the Malaysian Association of Social Workers (MASW) to better support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV)

The two groups inked a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise processes of mutual exchange in expertise, manpower and information to help survivors who reach out to Awam’s Telenita helpline.

"Whilst MASW will provide volunteer social workers who will accompany and link clients to relevant service providers such as hospitals, shelters and police stations, Awam will facilitate this process by providing the necessary legal information to these volunteer social workers and arranging for counselling sessions for clients if needed," the two groups said in a joint statement.

Awam provides free counselling and legal information services to all GBV survivors, regardless of gender, and also conducts public education and outreach initiatives to increase GBV awareness.

Founded in 1973, MASW offers professional support resources to its members and engages with local and international governments and non-governmental agencies.

“Social workers can provide psychosocial support, which is important in helping survivors cope with what they have experienced.

“Holistic and integrated GBV services for survivors remain lacking. We are thus very glad to be able to partner with Awam to fill this gap, which will lead to better GBV casework and management,” MASW president Prof Azlinda Azman said.

MASW vice-president Amy Bala added that the collaboration will also bridge gaps in accessibility to assistance in cases of abuse, especially in remote areas.

Volunteer social workers will be able to provide immediate help to survivors," Amy said, adding that 12 social workers have already signed up, ready to provide support to Awam for GBV cases.

The partnership is also timely, as the Social Work Professions Bill is currently being

drafted and it is hoped that the bill will be tabled in March this year.

Such legislation would provide Malaysia with a more regulated social work sector, with more qualified social workers handling cases.

It will also allow for better management of cases and ensure that social workers are not bogged down with cases. - Mkini