The number of cases on domestic violence against women and children in the State is increasing.<\/p>\n
According to Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development YB Datuk Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, the number of cases of domestic violence in 2016 has gone up to 427 cases from 279 cases in 2015.<\/p>\n
In the effort to manage the cases of domestic violence against women and children in the State, the Sarawak Women and family Development (JWKS) has come up a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as a guide book on how to handle the process and procedure of domestic violence cases.<\/p>\n
She added that the guide book was produced through the work and collaboration with relevant agencies, NGOs and department.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we want to achieve through this particular guideline is a better inter-agency working relationship to handle domestic violence so that the victims can be given the necessary assistance and protection as soon as possible,\u201d said Datuk Fatimah Abdullah on a press conference during a meeting by Majlis Wanita dan Keluarga Sarawak on July 24th.<\/p>\n
The guide book will be distributed to the relevant agencies, department as well as NGOs that are involved in the process and procedure of handling domestic violence against women and children.<\/p>\n
Among the agencies are the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Welfare Department and also One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) at every hospital.<\/p>\n
Datuk Fatimah Abdullah added that they would also need help from teachers as children may also be involve as witness or victims of domestic violence.<\/p>\n