Introduction
Domestic violence is an act of abused by an individual to his or her spouse or former spouse, children below the age of 18 or any other incapacitated adult in the family. It can include physical, sexual, financial, emotional and psychological abuse.
Causes Of Domestic Violence
Below are possible causes of domestic violence:
- Husband and wife’s personality
- Family background
- Drug, alcohol addiction and gambling
- Financial problem
- Jealous toward spouse
- Mental problem
- Community and cultural background
- Inability to adjust to married life
- Extramarital affair
Domestic Violence Act 1994
This Act is aimed at protecting people who have been abused. According to the Act, an abused person can seek the assistance of the Social Welfare Department and police to apply for these orders:
1. Interim Protection Order (IPO)
It is a temporary protection order that can be sought pending investigations by the police following information to the commission of the offence involving domestic violence. Once police investigation is completed, it will cease to have effect.
2. Protection Order (PO)
This order is provided should victim needs further protection. It can be sought during any criminal proceedings under the Penal Code where the accused is charged with an offense. It is provided to restraint the perpetrator and is valid for 12 months.
3. Ancillary Orders
- right of exclusive occupation of the home regardless of whether it is jointly or solely owned or rented
- allows people to enter their residence and collect personal belongings with the company of police or Social Welfare Department Officer
- prohibit the perpetrator from making personal contact or writing or engaging in telephone communication with any protected person
- require the perpetrator to hand over vehicle which has previously been ordinarily used by the protected person or persons
- compensation to victim’s personal injury, damage or loss
Services To Victims Of Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence should seek help to protect themselves and their loved ones. They are advised to seek treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department in nearby hospitals where they will be examined and treated by medical officer at One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC). Subsequently, abused victims will be referred to the Medical Social Worker.
Medical Social Worker will assist victims of domestic violence by:
- offering crisis intervention to reduce trauma or emotional disturbance
- restoring victim/family to optimal pre-crisis level functioning
- guiding victim in identifying problems and developing coping skills in order to cope better in the future
- informing victim about his/her rights based on relevant acts and providing information about resources and options
- increasing victim safety and support in protecting themselves
- arranging an alternative residence or temporary shelter if required
- referring victims to relevant agencies
Resources
Below are list of government agencies and non–government agencies that offer support to victims:
Government Agencies
- Social Welfare Department
- Police
- Government Hospitals
- Religious Department
- Legal Aid
Non Government Agencies
- Women’s Aid Organization (WAO)
- All Women Action Society (AWAM)
- Women Crisis Centre (WCC)
- WCC-Women Crisis Centre
- BEFRIENDERS
References
- Manohari Subramaniam (2003) Salina Abdullah (pnyt) Buku Panduan Keganasan Rumatangga. Persatuan Pendidikan dan Penyelidikan Pengguna-pengguna Malaysia.Petaling Jaya.
- Akta Keganasan Rumahtangga 1994
- Penerangan Tentang Akta Keganasan Rumahtangga 1994.Biro Bantuan Guaman
- http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/domestic_violence_.html
Last Reviewed | : | 30 May 2017 |
Writer | : | Cik Nor Faridah Bte Zaidi |
Translator | : | Cik Nor Faridah Bte Zaidi |
Accreditor | : | YM Ku Abdul Halip Bin Ku Yaakob |