Awareness is key to eliminating intimate partner violence

Survivors are advised to seek help early, especially where there are clear red flags such as threats of death or harm. Illustration: The Star/Foo Chern Hwan

It is important that we learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of gender-based violence in order to help victims or even stop this crime from happening.

First, it is important to realise that there are multiple types of violence: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, social abuse (such as isolation), economic abuse (withholding funds), plus threats and stalking, says Women’s Centre for Change programme director Karen Lai.