Unpacking Selangor's domestic violence epidemic: Causes and solutions

SHAH ALAM – As the world marks Mahatma Gandhi's birthday and the International Day of Non-Violence, domestic violence - a long-standing and overlooked crime, remains a stark reality.

Domestic violence has been a persistent issue in the country, with Selangor, the nation's most populous state, consistently recording the highest number of cases since 2017.

In an interview with All Women's Action Society's (Awam), its Senior Programme Manager Lilian Kok shared valuable insights into the underlying factors contributing to this troubling trend.

"While domestic violence often arises from power dynamics ingrained in cultural norms, there are intricate factors at play, further exacerbating the issue," Lilian told Sinar Daily recently.

According to Lilian, one such factor was population density.

"Selangor is one of Malaysia's most densely populated states, which can lead to heightened stressors, including economic pressures and conflicts.

"These stressors can create an environment where domestic abuse is more likely to occur.

"Another factor is socioeconomic disparities. Unemployment and financial instability can lead to increased tensions within households, potentially resulting in domestic violence," she said.

However, Lilian also noted that the surge in reported domestic violence cases in Selangor might reflect growing awareness and trust in managing domestic violence.

"Empowered survivors are increasingly stepping forward to report abuse, highlighting the need for continued dialogue on this issue," she added.

Lilian said women's group like Awam advocated for a comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach to empower women and encourage them to report domestic violence cases.

"This approach includes raising awareness about domestic violence, providing legal support and education, establishing safe reporting channels, engaging community leaders, offering counseling and therapy, promoting economic independence, ensuring safe shelters, educating on gender equality, and advocating for legal reforms," she said.

Lilian also highlighted the importance of involving government bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the community in implementing this approach.

"The goal is to create an environment where women feel empowered and safe to report domestic violence and seek help.

"Community members, organisations, and concerned citizens can also play a crucial role in reducing domestic violence in Selangor.

"They can do this by - advocating for better laws and policies to protect victims, providing funding for support services, offering training for law enforcement to handle domestic violence cases sensitively, offering emotional support to victims and encouraging them to seek help, promoting education on healthy relationships, consent, and conflict resolution, addressing underlying issues through accessible mental health services, empowering victims to gain financial independence through job training and assistance programmes, establishing crisis helplines for immediate assistance and advice," she said.

Awam had supported survivors with remarkable resilience and commitment to healing and growth.

She added that their stories inspired hope and demonstrated the power of breaking free from abusive situations.

Lilian also encouraged individuals and organisations interested in contributing to the fight against domestic violence in Selangor to educate themselves and raise awareness, support local organisations like Awam and its survivors, advocate for change, be culturally sensitive and initiate conversations on the topic of domestic violence.

Organisations could collaborate with local NGOs, conduct awareness campaigns, provide training and support services, advocate for legal reforms, and engage with the community.

She pointed out that a coordinated effort involving individuals, organisations, government agencies, and the community was crucial to create a safer and more supportive environment for survivors of domestic violence in Selangor.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone.

There are resources available to help you. Please get in touch with the Awam helpline at 15999 or visit their website at https://www.awam.org.my/ for more information.