BUTTERWORTH: Penang recorded 228 domestic violence cases up to August, highlighting the need for greater public awareness and collective action, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said a total 5,278 cases were reported nationwide in the same period.
She pointed out that domestic violence is not a private family matter but a social issue that demands urgent action.
"Domestic violence often takes place behind closed doors and can result in physical injuries, emotional abuse and psychological trauma," she said at the launch of the Eliminate Violence Against Women (EVAW) programme here on Tuesday (Oct 20).
The programme was held in conjunction with this year's state-level commemoration of the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Nancy said survivors could suffer anxiety, depression, social isolation, sleep disturbances and a loss of self-confidence due to controlling behaviour that deprived them of their freedom.
"Some may struggle to continue working or carry on with their daily lives. Others may be forced to leave their homes, lose their sources of income, or depend on others for protection," she said.
She added that seeking help could be difficult when survivors feared they would not be believed, were blamed for the abuse, or faced financial constraints.
Children were affected, too, even when they were not directly targeted, as witnessing violence could undermine their emotional well-being, concentration in school and sense of security.
"Protecting survivors also means protecting children and breaking the cycle of violence so that it is not passed on to future generations," she said.
Nancy said World Health Organization statistics showed that one in three women worldwide had experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.
She added that violence could take various forms, including economic abuse, financial control, social isolation, threats and exploitation through digital platforms.
Nancy said domestic violence must never be normalised, as repeated abuse could gradually rob survivors and their families of their sense of security, dignity and hope for the future.
The culmination of the EVAW commemoration will take place on Nov 25, in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Themed "UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls: Ensure Justice, Protect Survivors, End Impunity", that day marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs until Human Rights Day on Dec 10.
