JOHOR BARU: A total of 4,646 domestic violence cases were recorded in the first seven months of this year, says Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying.
She said Johor accounted for 823 cases, up from 518 during the same period last year, highlighting the need for stronger prevention, early intervention and access to support services.
“Domestic violence often happens behind closed doors, but its consequences extend beyond physical safety. It also impacts a woman’s dignity, self-confidence, emotional health and well-being,” she said at the Aku Wanita@KRT advocacy programme and PRISMAnita Johor Open Day 2026 at a hotel in Seri Alam here.
Lim said domestic violence was not limited to physical abuse but could also take the form of emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse, as well as excessive control over a person’s movements, life and relationships, including through digital platforms.
She said violence could begin with excessive control, threats, humiliation or financial control, which might initially be dismissed as normal behaviour.
Lim said the Aku Wanita@KRT programme is aimed at increasing public understanding of domestic violence, raising awareness of available assistance channels and encouraging people to act when they encounter situations requiring help.
She said as of Aug 12, the programme had been held in 11 states, attracting 3,915 participants, of whom 267 had received support through K-Chat – a group psychological intervention involving survivors, counsellors and trained facilitators.
On PRISMAnita – a one-stop centre launched in March to provide women with faster and more systematic access to government and agency services – Lim said it had served 117 people as of Aug 5.
She said support for victims should continue even after a crisis has ended, as domestic violence could also affect children’s emotional well-being.
Other initiatives implemented include Sari@KRT, Matahari, Iris and Skuad Waja, which focus on rebuilding victims’ confidence, independence and well-being.
Lim added that men, boys and the broader community must actively participate in efforts to eliminate violence against women.
She urged victims of domestic violence, as well as those who know or suspect someone is experiencing it, not to stay silent, adding that help is available via the 24-hour Talian Kasih 15999 or WhatsApp at 019-261 5999.
