Did you know that cases of domestic violence have increased significantly every year? As of 2018, the number of reported cases has hit 5,513, according to WAO. Here is a thread of everything you need to know about DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence is a pattern of violence, abuse, or intimidation used to control or maintain power over a partner who is or has been in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence comes in many forms such as physical, sexual, emotional, financial, psychological, and social.

Physical abuse is the most recognisable form of domestic violence. It involves the use of force against the victim, causing an injury that includes a punch or a kick, stabbing, shooting, choking, slapping, or even forcing you to use drugs.

Sexual abuse not only includes sexual assault and rape, but also harassment, like unwelcome touching and other demeaning behaviours. Many are unaware, but being coerced into not using contraception during sexual activities is deemed as sexual abuse known as reproductive coercion

Psychological abuse refers to persistent and significant acts of intimidating, threatening, or fear-causing behaviour. Examples of fear-inducing behaviour include threatening the victim with violence, preventing the victim from leaving. This is known as emotional blackmail.

The occurrence of domestic violence affects the victim, families as well as the community as it causes diminishing psychological and physical health, affects the quality of life and decreases productivity.

The Domestic Violence Act protects spouses, former spouses, children, family members of victims and “incapacitated adults” living as members of the family. However, a grey area is present for non-married couples. For more info: https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/28911

In accordance to the Domestic Violence Act amended in 2017, victims of abuse are able to apply for multiple types of protection which are meant to restrain the abuser from using domestic violence against the victim.

The Emergency Protection Order (EPO) acts as a temporary safeguard to ensure safety, usually issued within two hours and is valid for seven days. It protects against physical abuses, fear of such abuses and prevents the abuser from entering one’s safe space or shared residence

The Interim Protection Order (IPO) is issued by the Magistrate Court and is valid throughout the police investigation before the case is charged in court. The IPO protects survivors against harm from the perpetrator. An IPO can be made while making the initial police report.

The Protection Order (PO), also issued by the Magistrate Court, is valid once the case has been charged in court bans during trial (upon police investigation completion). The PO is valid for one year (renewal allowed) as long as an ongoing trial towards the perpetrator stands.

Domestic violence is difficult to identify, and many cases go reported to health professionals or legal authorities. If you or someone you know is going through domestic violence, please do not hesitate to contact:

WAO provides many services such as the WAO Hotline, Child Care Centres, Social Work and many more forms of aid towards ending violence against women in Malaysia and promoting gender equality. https://twitter.com/womensaidorg/status/1249558084105711616

. https://twitter.com/dearher18/status/1243106472910655488

Option 2: Talian Kasih by Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development

Call Talian Kasih at 15999 or Whatsapp at 019-2615999. This line is available 24 hours a day.

Option 3: All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)

Contact the Telenita Helpline at 016-2284221 or 016-2374221 https://twitter.com/astroradionews/status/1247373596328112128

Finally, here are some heavy slam poetry recited by survivors/family members of survivors. Do take note of the Trigger Warning ahead.

1. Nora Cooper - “On Silence”
2.

We hope this thread has shed light on the basis of domestic violence, it’s many forms as well as the multiple types of help available around. If you have any questions or additional information that would aid survivors or their loved ones, feel free to reply to this thread.