LETTER | Domestic violence: Society should play its role

LETTER | Recently, we have been shocked and saddened by the tragic incident of a wife being murdered by her husband. Their marriage, on the rocks, ultimately culminated in this horrifying tragedy.

Unfortunately, such stories are not isolated incidents, as statistics from the police revealed a significant increase in domestic violence cases, surging from 5,620 in 2020 to 7,568 in 2021, with the highest number of cases reported in Selangor.

Many more domestic violence cases were swept under the carpet due to fear and shame.

In the face of the alarming trend in domestic violence, we must play our roles as friends and neighbours. We must be quick to recognise any signs of domestic violence within households - such as changes in their behaviour, physical injuries and emotional distress.

We should encourage open communication with victims and be attentive to these changes, as this can result in the early detection of domestic violence. Initiating intervention in their domestic problems may help avert any violence.

Households that fall victim to domestic violence often conceal their suffering and are likely to become isolated from others. Therefore, we must offer a helping hand by providing emotional support and always being there to listen to their problems.

Act quickly

Being present when they need a shoulder to cry on may empower them to seek help and report the violence, ultimately breaking the cycle. Bear in mind that death may loom on the horizon if we do not take swift action.

Sometimes, we should keep tabs on victims and intervene directly. Providing shelter and reporting the violence to the police or other authorities might be one of the best measures to prevent domestic violence. We can assist victims in accessing support services.

Despite the fact that this action may put victims at risk, taking this action is of the utmost importance to ensure their safety. We should also be well-versed in sources and local organisations that can help domestic violence victims. Our swift action can save lives.

In a nutshell, the onus is on all of us to nip domestic violence in the bud. We must put ourselves in the victims' shoes to feel greater empathy.

Writer is an academic from the Faculty of Business and Communication, Universiti Malaysia Perlis.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.