Domestic violence cases on the rise in 2019, says Fatimah

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Fatimah Abdullah

KUCHING: Minister of Welfare, Community Welbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah has expressed concern with the high number of domestic violence cases in the state.

She said based on statistics collected by the police, it was worrying that a total of 413 cases were reported between January and September this year.

“Although the reported cases of domestic violence in the state showed a slight decrease in 2018 compared to 2017, which recorded 535 cases, it looks like there may be more cases before the end of the year.

“There are 486 cases of domestic violence cases recorded in the state in 2018, but from January to September this year, there are already 413 cases,” she told a press conference after an official visit to Rumah Sri Kenangan at Mile 12, Jalan Kuching-Serian and Samarahan Rehabilitation Centre here today.

Fatimah said domestic violence cases in Sarawak occurred across all ethnic groups in Sarawak.

She noted that in 2019, the majority of the domestic violence victims were 26-years-old and older, while the rest are aged between 13 and 25.

She said her Ministry was taking every form of domestic violence “very seriously”.

The Ministry, she said, would welcome suggestions from all parties to tackle the issue so that domestic violence cases in the state can be eradicated.

On other note, she said the Ministry hopes the newly completed rehabilitation centre at Rumah Sri Kenangan could be fully utilised early next year.

She said currently, victims of domestic violence were protected at the temporary centre in Samarahan, which is meant to help the disabled.

“The rehabilitation centre at Rumah Sri Kenangan is already completed and we are still waiting for the authorities to issue the occupation permit (OP).

“Once the OP is ready, the victims will be placed and protected there pending court cases against the culprits,” she said.

It is believed that the newly completed centre can accommodate up to eight families.

Assistant Minister of Community Wellbeing Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus were also present.