BUTTERWORTH: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is stepping up efforts to combat domestic violence through financial aid, legal assistance, early intervention and community-based support for survivors.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said existing programmes were being strengthened to help victims recognise abuse, understand their legal rights and access protection and assistance to leave dangerous home environments.
"We cannot stop them from being hit at home. But we can give them confidence and awareness so they know their legal rights," she told reporters when asked about the ministry's action plan following cases of domestic violence resulting in deaths.
The latest involved the murder of a 35-year-old Customs officer by her husband in Negri Sembilan recently following a marital dispute.
Nancy was met after the 2026 state-level Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) programme here, where she said domestic violence required sustained intervention beyond awareness campaigns.
The ministry has allocated about RM1 million this year to assist women facing financial difficulties, including those who need to leave abusive partners with their children.
Temporary transit accommodation is also provided through cooperation with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), while referral services are being strengthened to connect survivors with relevant agencies.
Its PRISMAnita initiative provides information, initial screening, counselling, psychosocial support and referrals to help women access assistance.
In Penang, survivors can approach the state Women's Development Office for assistance and coordinated referrals.
Nancy said the ministry was also implementing Matahari, which focuses on women's psychological resilience; Iris, which promotes legal literacy and awareness of women's rights; and Skuad Waja, a community-based support network.
She urged more men to join prevention efforts, saying protecting women and children was a shared responsibility among families and communities.
"Even one case is frightening. If possible, we want zero," she said, citing police figures showing 5,278 domestic violence cases nationwide up to August this year, including 228 in Penang.
Nancy warned that the reported figures might not reflect the true scale of the problem, as some victims were afraid to come forward or withdrew their complaints because of fear, financial dependence and uncertainty about obtaining help.
She said domestic violence was not confined to physical assault but also included emotional and psychological abuse, economic deprivation, financial control and digital threats, such as blackmail involving intimate images.
Children exposed to violence at home could also suffer emotional harm and lose their sense of security, potentially perpetuating abusive behaviour across generations, she added.
The ministry's Talian Kasih hotline, 15999, operates 24 hours a day, while assistance is also available through WhatsApp at 019-261 5999.
Victims can seek help at nearby police stations, hospitals and Social Support Centres.
Nancy said the Road to EVAW campaign would continue throughout the year, culminating on Nov 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, followed by 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence until Dec 10.
She called on the public not to remain silent when confronted with suspected abuse, stressing that prevention, early intervention and accessible support were essential to protecting survivors.
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