SARI@KRT Programme To Help 1,400 Domestic Violence Survivors Rebuild Lives - Nancy

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has launched the Santun Kasih Pemandiri@Keganasan Rumah Tangga (SARI@KRT) programme to assist 1,400 domestic violence survivors nationwide in rebuilding their lives.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the programme targets at least 100 participants in each state, with a focus on strengthening psychosocial support and legal assistance, as well as empowering women affected by domestic violence economically.

She said the initiative reflected the government's continued efforts to ensure victims no longer suffered in silence, but were instead given the support and confidence to overcome the trauma of violence.

"We are not merely raising awareness. We want to restore the victims' confidence, showing them that every crisis they face has a solution through the proper channels of action.

"The government stands ready to guide them towards self-reliance and a safer new life," she told reporters after officiating the launch of SARI@KRT: Road to Eliminate Violence Against Women (EVAW) 2026 here today.

Meanwhile, Nancy said statistics by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) showed that cases of domestic violence increased to 4,014 between January and June this year, compared with 3,678 cases during the same period last year.

Johor recorded the highest number of cases during the first six months of the year with 721, followed by Selangor with 614 and Perak with 405.

She said misunderstandings and communication problems remained the leading causes, accounting for 1,967 cases, followed by drug abuse with 444 cases and financial stress with 378 cases.

Nancy said the increase should also be viewed as an indication of greater public awareness and the growing courage among victims to come forward and lodge police reports.

She added that financial abuse also warranted attention, including situations where a husband had the means but refused to provide for the family's needs, leaving his wife to shoulder household expenses alone.

"Remaining silent sends the wrong signal to one's partner, as failure to provide financial support constitutes a form of financial abuse. The responsibility of supporting the family and children is a shared commitment that must be upheld by both parties," she said.

She said KPWKM also provided a special allowance to enable survivors to attend court proceedings involving child maintenance claims.

In addition, previous advocacy programmes such as Aku Wanita@KRT had reached more than 3,600 participants, with 230 survivors benefiting from free group psychological intervention (K-Chat) sessions.

Nancy also urged the public to share information and seek early assistance through the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline, Social Welfare Department (JKM) offices and One-Stop Crisis Centres (OSCC) at government hospitals.

The SARI@KRT programme is part of the ongoing Road to EVAW campaign, leading up to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Nov 25, followed by the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

-- BERNAMA