Has there been a rise in domestic abuse cases in Malaysia because of lockdown?
Domestic violence has increased 118 per cent since the Covid-19 pandemic started. The rise of domestic violence and other forms of violence against women is the shadow pandemic, and we are directing all our resources to respond to this. When abuse survivors are put into a situation of isolation with their abusers, this creates circumstances where it is even easier for the abuser to exert control physically, emotionally, and socially.
While the MCO was necessary to control Covid-19, the government must also recognise that for many women and children home is not a safe haven but actually quite the opposite.
What are some ways that WAO has responded to the increase in abuse cases?
We collaborated with the Ministry of Health and National Security Council on handling hotline calls for domestic violence. We're grateful for the support from the public and from the Selangor state government, which enabled us to set up temporary shelters to accommodate the increasing number of domestic violence survivors and their children during MCO.
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What can members of the public do to support abuse survivors?
One of the ways we can all provide support is through Psychological First Aid or PFA. It is a way to support the survivor and to reduce their stress. It is not professional counselling nor is it a way to force the survivor to do anything she's not ready for. PFA is psychological, mental or emotional support for survivors of violence that is non-judgemental, non-discriminatory, safe and comfortable for survivors, confidential, and above all respectful of their experience and decisions.
Another way to play an active role is to register as a volunteer in Women’s Aid Organisation, and be involved as a social worker—or even spreading awareness through our social media advocacy.
What other social issues have resulted because of the pandemic?
We’ve been extremely concerned about how women are facing disproportionate impacts from the economic hardship generated by the pandemic. We worked closely with the government to ensure Budget 2021 adequately addresses the need to redress the harms that have affected women greatly, not only from violence and abuse but also issues like thd rise in women losing income and jobs.
While we didn't get everything we wanted, we are very pleased with the RM20 million allocation made for domestic violence shelters country-wide. It’s a great first step.
Approximately how much does it cost to run and maintain a shelter?
WAO needs in the region of about RM1 million a year just to keep one domestic violence shelter safe, comfortable and supportive of healing.
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