SELANGOR reported 813 cases of domestic violence cases from January to August this year, with Gombak district recording the highest number at 147.
State women, family empowerment, welfare and care economy committee chairman Anfaal Saari said the numbers could be higher as typically, many such incidents go unreported.
“If we follow the trend, the numbers could be even higher, but we will implement mitigation efforts," she said during a press conference after the launch of a 16-day campaign to combat violence against women and children on the sidelines of the Selangor State Assembly in Shah Alam.
Anfaal said that domestic violence encompasses both physical and mental abuse.
“Sometimes, victims may not even realise that they are being mentally abused."
She added that cultural and religious factors were among the contributory factors, acknowledging that Malaysia is often considered a patriarchal society.
“I hope that religious scholars and teachers will provide accurate interpretations in context, so they can advocate against domestic violence,” she said.
Among the campaign’s objectives is to raise public awareness of gender-based violence issues, educate the public on steps victims can take to protect themselves and encourage the involvement of all parties in efforts to eliminate gender-based violence.
