A COMMUNITY social support centre (CSSC) will soon be set up in Sibu, Sarawak, providing integrated social intervention and referral services for individuals and families facing domestic violence, family crises and other social challenges.
Pelawan assemblyman Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said it will help strengthen community-based support systems while ensuring victims of abuse have access to timely assistance in a safe and coordinated manner.
“The CSSC will function as a central platform for social awareness and advocacy programmes, mental health support, basic intervention services, case management and referrals to relevant government agencies, healthcare institutions and non-governmental organisations,” he said in a statement.
The centre will also provide transit accommodation to victims of domestic violence, offering them a secure environment during critical periods, he added.
The other planned components include women empowerment and skills training programmes, community mental health services, activity spaces for youths and children, community food bank, soup kitchen and social enterprise facilities.
Tiang said the centre’s role gained urgency following a viral social media post of alleged prolonged domestic abuse.
He stressed that domestic violence, whether physical, verbal, emotional or psychological, must not be ignored or dismissed as a private family issue.
“All forms of domestic violence are serious social problems.
“The circumstances highlighted in the recent case are deeply distressing and underscore the need for greater public awareness and stronger community support mechanisms,” he said.
Tiang urged victims of domestic violence to seek help, through the 24-hour Hospital One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC), Talian Kasih hotline 15999, the Welfare Department, police or his N54 Pelawan Service Centre at 012-760 9822.
