KUALA LUMPUR, 30 June 2009: Selangor recorded the highest number of domestic violence cases in the country after 102 cases were reported last year, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.
Shahrizat said this year, 60 cases had been reported in the first three months alone.
Shahrizat (File pic courtesy of theSun)Penang recorded the second highest number of cases last year with 64, while 22 cases were reported until March this year.
“According to statistics, 90% of the victims in domestic violence cases were women. As such, a number of steps are being implemented to protect such victims,” said Shahrizat, answering a question from Mohsin Fadzli Samsuri (PKR-Bagan Serai) in Dewan Rakyat here today.
Shahrizat said one of the root causes for domestic violence was the perception that there was no gender equality among men and women.
“Research by experts also showed that domestic violence was also a result of one party believing they can overpower the other. Unfortunately, women end up as victims,” she said.
She added that the ministry would enhance programmes on gender equality to create awareness and prevent such incidents from recurring.
“The ministry will also increase the number of programmes to create awareness of women’s rights, offer protection for victims, and help victims make police reports on such incidents,” she said.
As to Mohsin Fadzli’s question whether the government was going to set up a Family Court to hear such cases, Shahrizat said the ministry was in the final stages of compiling information and feedback for amending the Domestic Violence Act 1994.
“We are in the final stage and once completed, the proposal will be brought to the cabinet,” she said. — Bernama
