GEORGE TOWN: Out of 7,391 domestic violence cases reported nationwide last year, 1,961 involved male victims, says Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying.
Citing figures from the police, she added that domestic violence cases rose from 7,116 in 2024 to 7,391 in 2025.
“As of March this year, 1,955 cases have already been recorded; many cases tend to go unreported.
“The increase is a sign that domestic violence is a serious issue,” she said at the launch of the Women’s Welfare Advocacy Programme at a hotel here on Tuesday (May 12).
Lim said that on March 10, in conjunction with International Women’s Day, the Prime Minister launched Prismanita, a one-stop centre to provide faster, integrated assistance for women facing family or domestic crises.
“Unlike enforcement agencies, it does not wield prosecutorial powers, but instead acts as a facilitator, matching victims with appropriate services and agencies to ensure faster, more victim-friendly access to assistance.
“As of April 28 this year, 34 clients nationwide have received services through Prismanita,” she said, adding that male domestic violence victims can also seek help from Prismanita.
Lim stated the government remains intent on fighting domestic violence through laws, policies, and mechanisms like the Domestic Violence Handling Committee.
“These initiatives are aligned with international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, which emphasise protection, preparedness and empowerment,” she said.
Lim highlighted her ministry’s advocacy programmes.
“Last year, welfare advocacy programmes targeting women experiencing domestic violence were carried out in Sabah, Terengganu, Perak and Johor, involving 1,971 participants and 70 trained facilitators.
“These programmes have empowered women to understand the risks, recognise warning signs and have the courage to report crimes,” she said.
Lim also said that a psychological intervention initiative known as “K-Check” was introduced as a group support approach involving trained counsellors and facilitators.
“It aims to help victims manage emotional, psychological and social trauma.
“The programme has been expanded this year in collaboration with the State Women’s Development Office,” she said.
She added that the ministry, through the Women’s Development Department, is also implementing counselling services, the Matahari women’s resilience and psychology development programme, the Women’s Law and Rights Literacy Programme (IRIS) and Skuad Wajah, a community support network aimed at strengthening awareness and protection efforts.
Victims of domestic violence may reach out to the 24-hour Talian Kasih Help Line 15999, send a WhatsApp message to 019-2615999, utilise the Help Line application, or seek assistance at the nearest police station or hospital.
