Taskforce to address domestic violence during MCO

THE Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) has joined the Selangor government’s taskforce on health and welfare to provide emergency measures to aid domestic violence survivors during the movement control order (MCO) period.

The taskforce aims to provide immediate support and prevent the cycle of domestic violence from being repeated in households in Selangor.

“The Selangor government has set aside specific funds to support costs for crisis services for Selangor residents, ” said WAO in a statement.

“WAO’s role is to address the issues of domestic violence and child abuse.

“With focal point on domestic violence, other grassroots and community non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can refer women and children to WAO for domestic violence-related matters.”

The taskforce is chaired by health, welfare, women and family empowerment committee chairman Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud and includes other NGOs.

WAO initially reported a 44% increase in calls received on its hotline and WhatsApp enquiries from February to March.

There was a subsequent spike of 111% in the first half of April.

Slightly more than half the hotline calls came from within the Klang Valley.

Those who need WAO’s assistance can call the 24-hour hotline at 03-7956 3488 or send a Whatsapp or SMS message to 018-9888 058 (Tina).