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AWAM’s Domestic Violence Hotline Reports Surge During MCO

Apr 10, 2020

Image: Bigstock​

There has been an increase in calls to the All Women's Action Society’s hotline about domestic abuse cases recently.

Its program and operations manager Nisha Sabanayagam told us this is happening not just in Malaysia, but also in other parts of the world, as people are forced to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic. 

“The nature of the calls are different, in that we are receiving appeals for help not from the person being abused but rather from their friends or relatives. This again highlights the fact, because of the MCO… perpetrators are able to keep a closer eye on the survivors and prevent them from getting help, hence the survivors have to get help and come to us via someone else.”

She also shared about the impact the MCO has on women who are forced to remain in an abusive home:

Image: ABCNews

“With the MCO, outside contact is minimised for a good reason of course. But it also means that the survivors are at a greater risk of abuse and violence and also at a higher risk of spiralling into depression, thus becoming vulnerable to a different set of health issues."

Not being able to seek immediate medical or psychological help may potentially lead to dire, even fatal consequences.

Nisha adds that things are worse for survivors who don’t know how or where to seek help:

Image: Shutterstock

“Because of the MCO, they aren’t sure if they can leave the house to make a police report. The survivors want the police to come to the house and take away the perpetrator. They also want someone to listen to their worries and troubles. We also hear fear in the voice of the person making the call for them, which goes to show how scary it is to have a loved one in a domestic abuse situation, even if you are not the one abused. Imagine how it must be like for the person who is actually abused.”

She also shared some survival tips for domestic abuse victims who are stuck indoors …

“Try to remain in a safe room during conflicts. For example don't move to the kitchen, where there are sharp objects like knives. This is easier said than done, but try to keep yourself as safe as possible.”

Those in need of help during this time are advised to reach out to the various women’s organisations like AWAM, WAO, Sisters In Islam and Tenaganita for assistance.