Abused women can get help at crisis centre
Victims of domestic violence are urged to seek treatment at the One-stop Crisis Service Centres that have been set up at government hospitals throughout the country.
Victims of domestic violence are urged to seek treatment at One-stop Crisis Service Centres that have been set up at government hospitals throughout the country.
Penang executive councillor for health Dr Afif Bahardin said many were not aware of the existence of this service, which was launched in public hospitals in 1997.
"The centres provide trained personnel to deal with emergency situations related to domestic violence," Afif (left) said in a statement.
"If the victim is afraid of referring the matter to the police, she can get advice from the centre on how to proceed with the situation," he added.
Afif urged all government agencies and NGOs to continue being proactive in assisting such victims.
Other than seeking help from hospitals, victims of domestic violence can report the matter directly to the nearest police station or dial 1-800-88-3040 for assistance.
"Whatever the excuse, no human being should be treated with violence," said the Seberang Jaya assemblyperson.
Positive approach needed
He was referring to two latest cases of domestic violence - in Bukit Mertajam and in Seremban - which this week went viral on Facebook and YouTube.
In the Bukit Mertajam incident, a two-minute CCTV recording shows a man assaulting his wife in a lift, in front of their two children.
The man has since surrendered himself to the Kuantan police and the case was classified under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
Afif said a positive approach from all sectors was necessary to fight domestic violence, adding that the people must become more sensitive to what is happening around them.
"It's not being nosy to know what is happening to our neighbours or disrespect people's private space," said Afif, who is also state PKR Youth vice-chief.
"The people must be aware and be proactive and report such crimes to the relevant authorities if they know about it," he added.
"It is wrong if we know about such a crime and do not report it to the relevant authorities," he said, adding that reporting the occurrence of domestic violence could help save a life.
