Abang Johari (right) and Fatimah (second right) view one of the panels at the Community Well Being Preservation Exhibition at the DUN Complex foyer after its launching. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The state’s Women and Family Department (JWKS) Helpline was launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex foyer yesterday.
According to a press statement by JWKS, the creation of the helpline is to facilitate anyone, especially victims of domestic violence, needing counselling, advice and guidance to reach the appropriate agencies under the department.
The press statement also mentioned that the helpline is a continuation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on domestic violence involving women and children.
Statistics by the police mentioned that 427 domestic violence cases were recorded in the state last year.
“On average, two to three cases of domestic violence have links to drugs and substance abuse. Input from agencies also revealed that couples who abuse drugs were also likely to be involved in domestic violence cases,” added the press release.
Apart from helping domestic violence victims, the helpline was also created to help women who need emotional support or anyone who wants to know about procedures regarding cases such as abuse, divorce, child custody and others.
The helpline number is 082-448866 and will operate from 8am to 5pm.
It will soon be made toll-free, operating 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Meanwhile, after launching the helpline, Abang Johari inspected the Community Well Being Preservation Exhibition
organised by the Ministry of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development at the same venue.
He was accompanied by Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and other officials.
The objective of the exhibition is to explain to assemblymen or any visitor to the DUN Complex the functions and roles of the
ministry and JWKS, with the hope that it can help assemblymen explain the roles of the ministry and JWKS to their constituents.
The exhibition is held from Nov 9 to 17 at the DUN Complex foyer.