Apathy to domestic violence can be fatal

Victims often find their complaints not taken seriously by the very agencies whom they seek help from, says Melissa.

THE Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) Penang has urged all members of enforcement agencies handling domestic violence cases to have a comprehensive and holistic understanding of domestic violence, as well as the effect of domestic violence on victims.

WCC senior advocacy officer Melissa Mohd Akhir said members, including police and social welfare officers, should understand domestic violence laws, and the rights ofvictims to protection under the law, as well as undergo training to grasp and appreciate their roles in preventing domestic violence as laid out under the law and the Guidelines to Handling Domestic Violence Cases.