Parents are physically abused

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PETALING JAYA: At least four parents in Malaysia get physically abused every day, making up more than 20% of the domestic violence cases in the country.

Statistics released by Bukit Aman also highlight the alarming number of domestic violence cases among close family members – higher than those involving married couples.

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The data showed that from 2018 until May this year, 12,987 cases of domestic violence involving family members – such as parents, children, brothers, sisters, grandchildren and grandparents – were reported.

A total of 10,925 cases involving married couples was reported during the same period.

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Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) principal assistant director Asst Comm Siti Kamsiah Hassan said 20% (456 cases) of the 2,355 cases reported from January until April this year involved parents getting abused.

About 20% of these victims were aged 60 and above while 30% of them were in the 36-45 age group.

“Some people have the misconception that domestic violence only involves husband and wife due to the attention and awareness given to the issue, but more than 20% of the domestic violence cases that we receive involve parents.

“We also have cases involving siblings, grandparents and others,” she told The Star.

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Most of such domestic violence was due to arguments over money and drug problems, ACP Siti Kamsiah said.

“Normally, the aggressor would ask for money to buy drugs. When he doesn’t get what he wants, it leads to an argument before someone ends up being hit.

“In most cases, the suspects normally would have abused the victims before, but it is never reported until it gets bad,” she said.

ACP Siti Kamsiah called on such parents and other victims to seek help before it was too late.

“Family members tend to wait it out. They would try to solve the problem among themselves, but sometimes the situation would get out of hand.

“They need to know that help is out there. If their children have got themselves into drugs, we have the national anti-drugs agency that can help with rehabilitation.

“If they have mental problems, then get them to seek medical attention.

“We also have non-governmental organisations that can help,” she added.

Previously, ACP Siti Kamsiah was reported as saying that the movement control order led to an increase in the number of domestic violence cases involving close family members.

She added that three months before the first MCO in 2020, D11 recorded 125 cases of domestic abuse and during the concurrent time frame of MCO, her department recorded 134 cases.