Seek mental help if needed in times like these, says Awam

PETALING JAYA: The All Women's Action Society (Awam) warns that the Covid-19 situation can cause rising stress levels and ultimately lead to violence.

They said that mental help was important to prevent such incidents.

They said that having to consider taking out EPF contributions, job insecurity, staying cooped up with the family and worrying about the virus did not make it easy to remain calm, rational and vigilant.

Awam said that rising stress levels from shortage of funds and lack of social interactions can lead to more frequent clashes, with a high chance of it turning violent, especially if steps are not taken to manage the levels of stress, pressure and anxiety.

"It is in these times that gender-based violence occurs more frequently, especially with survivors of domestic violence trapped in close quarters with their perpetrators," the NGO said in a statement Tuesday (March 24).

Awam said that women make up many marginalised groups in the country and, in times of crisis such as this, are made even more vulnerable.

They said that help should be sought so that the cycle of violence could be broken, although it was easier said than done.

Awam added that there were many organisations, including itself, that were able to assist in this situation.

Awam provides free counselling and legal information services to all.

They are offering their hotline to anyone who needs "someone to talk to", such as those distressed by news on the disease, those agitated to stay at home, those who are fearful of the disease, or even those who have loved ones on the frontlines.

Awam can be reached on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for a quick chat.

To speak to them over the phone, email your details to [e-mail] and they will call you back.