KPWKM To Conduct Study On Need To Amend Domestic Violence Act

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) will conduct a study on the need for amendments to the Domestic Violence Act, following a recent rise in reported cases.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the study was important to ensure that any proposed amendments do not conflict with existing laws.

“This Act is not under our ministry, but the ministry will continue to work closely and provide important input in meetings with relevant parties to ensure more effective action,” she told a press conference after officiating the ‘Zero Tolerance of Violence: Say No to Sexual Harassment’ programme here today.

Nancy said this when asked to comment on the need to amend the Act following an increase in domestic violence cases, believed to be up to around 4,000 cases daily.

Commenting on the case involving a woman who was stabbed in Kelantan, Nancy said the ministry would work closely with the police in channelling relevant reports.

Nancy said that in cases of violence against women, the Social Welfare Department would send protection officers to channel necessary assistance to victims, with the officers’ reports serving as the main reference for the police to take further action.

“Despite various advocacy programmes conducted, such cases still occur. Therefore, coordinated action with the police is very critical because when a case is classified as an official case, further action can be taken,” she said.

In addition to legal action, she said the ministry would ensure that counselling services were provided to victims to support their emotional recovery.

--BERNAMA