Monitoring abusers, stronger sentences for repeat offenders urgently needed, says Wanita MCA

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri recently indicated a proposal to create new mechanisms to record repeat domestic abuse offenders. This initiative aims to strengthen protections for women, and Minister Shukri herself has acknowledged that this lack of comprehensive records presents a serious challenge in efforts to better safeguard them. Nevertheless, domestic violence must also take into account that victims also consist of husbands, children, parents and siblings. There is still more that we can do, and we must not let the absence of a formal system delay the protection that victims need.

As discussions of this new record mechanism continues, Wanita MCA would like to put forward several suggestions that the ministry might consider in the meantime. While establishing a more comprehensive system for recording abusers is important, it must go hand in hand with ensuring the safety of victims and with strict and immediate action against perpetrators the moment a crime is committed. We cannot afford to wait for a repeat offence before intervention takes place.