KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry remains committed to strengthening prevention, protection, early intervention and rehabilitation efforts pertaining to domestic violence through strategic collaborations, says its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said domestic violence should not be regarded as a private family matter, but a security issue and a violation of human rights requiring coordinated and systematic action.
"It encompasses not only physical abuse but also emotional and psychological abuse, sexual violence, intimidation, financial control and threats involving the misuse of digital technology," she said at the symposium "Strengthening Policy to Address the Reality of Domestic Violence: Facing Challenges and Empowering the Family Institution" here on Thursday (Nov 5).
The symposium is held in two series, the first running here until Friday (Nov 6) and the second scheduled for mid-November in Kelantan.
It brings together representatives from government agencies, NGOs, researchers and domestic violence survivors to share their experiences and perspectives.
Nancy said the feedback gathered would be analysed and consolidated into a roadmap and resolutions to strengthen policies, support systems and protection mechanisms for victims.
She noted that tackling domestic violence needs collective responsibility and cooperation among ministries, government agencies, NGOs and society to ensure everyone lives in a safe and dignified environment.
Among the ministry's initiatives is the implementation of the Dasar Kasih Keluarga Negara (DKKN) 2026-30, alongside programmes by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the Women's Development Department (JPW).
These include JKM's Wonderful Life programme, JPW's Well-being Advocacy Programme for Women @ Domestic Violence and the Waja Squad volunteer programme.
The ministry also provides counselling and psychosocial intervention through counsellors registered with the Board of Counsellors Malaysia, while the National Welfare Foundation operates one-stop social support centres to provide assistance to those in need.
Its efforts also extend to men through the Fatherhood Module: Leading the Family and the Gentleman (Lelaki Budiman) study, conducted by the National Population and Family Development Board.
It was reported that a total of 7,391 domestic violence cases were recorded last year, an increase of 3.9% from 7,116 cases in 2024, according to police statistics.
This year, 5,862 cases were reported up to September, highlighting the need for stronger measures to address domestic violence.
Those seeking help can contact the Talian Kasih hotline at 15999, which operates round the clock throughout the year, or send a WhatsApp message to 019-261 5999.
