Public awareness on domestic and sexual violence still low

PETALING JAYA: Public awareness for domestic and sexual violence is still low despite the many campaigns and efforts done by different non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agencies and ministries.
Deputy health minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya (pix) said it was due to the low awareness that the issue has become a major social problem across the community regardless of age, gender and income group.
"To make matters worse, the total number of cases reported this year is expected to exceed that of 2014," he said, adding that there were 666 cases reported at Kuala Lumpur Hospital alone in the first six months of this year as compared to the 1,192 cases for the whole of 2014 nationwide.
"I believe there are many victims who have not come forward," Dr Hilmi said in his opening remarks at the National One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) Service Conference 2016 today.
Out of the 666 cases, he said, among others were 523 battered women, 20 battered men, 89 rape cases, 15 men and 15 women sodomy cases.
He stressed that prevalence of such violence takes an enormous toll on the daily lives of the victims as well as the society by way of behaviour, health, psychological and economic consequences.
"Hence, it is important for everyone, including government agencies and ministeries, to work closely with the various NGOs to put a stop to domestic and social violence before its too late.
Dr Hilmi also urged victims to come forward so that appropriate assistance can be provided to them.