There are only a few more days left before the year 2020 ends. It is undeniable that 2020 has been eventful with many stories of joy and sorrow. Perhaps the most noted event is that the year also brings an unprecedented challenge to public health and well-being as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which eventually leads to disruption of lives and livelihood. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the pandemic has affected the socioeconomic sector where tens of millions of people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty. One such effect is the loss of jobs which puts stress on breadwinners. It has been reported that in Malaysia, around 100,000 workers have lost their jobs since January. Loss of jobs and income does not only affect the ability of some families to buy food but also present a challenge to preserve a peaceful family life. According to police statistics, financial problems is cited as one of the three factors contributing to domestic violence.
Violence within the family unit is not something new and it has existed since the beginning of society itself. Since such an offence happens within the walls of a home, it is usually considered as a “private family matter”. Thus, it is not surprising that the acts of brutality are kept under wraps and are often not detected or reported. Domestic violence is also a universal phenomenon and cuts across all race, religion, income status, class as well as cultural lines. It is deeply embedded in cultures around the world, so much so that millions of women consider it as a way of life, unfortunately. In other words, family violence is considered as part and parcel of marital life. While women in most cases are considerably more likely to experience domestic violence but recent trend shows that men are also subjected to such kind of abuses, particularly from the psychological aspect.
In Malaysia, the issue of domestic violence has been traced since the 1960s. However, most of the incidents were hardly reported to the authorities as they were considered as personal matters. As such, they became matters that were expected to be resolved within the family itself. Domestic violence has now become a social problem in the country regardless of race, ethnic and religion. The government has taken a proactive action to enact the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (DVA–Act No. 521) by taking into account views of relevant agencies as well as non-governmental organisations (NGO). This act was passed in early 1994 by the Malaysian Parliament to curb domestic violence through legal mechanism. The aim of the Act is to help victims of domestic violence. The act offers protection for battered women from their abusers in the form of protective orders. It also provides for compensation and counselling to be made available for them.
The DVA 1994 was amended and gazetted on 9 February 2012 which saw the definition of domestic violence under Section 2 has been expanded to include psychological and emotional abuse apart from financial loss. Further amendments were gazetted on 21 September 2017 which came into enforcement on 1 January 2018. Suggestions have been put forth that psychological (emotional) and economic abuse must not only be included in the Act, it should also be explicitly defined together with explanations based on cultural backgrounds of a society. This is to address the actual and broader definitions of violence so that many savagery cases can be avoided and the impact be minimised.
Violence against women deprives their right to actively partake and contribute to social and economic life. It causes a myriad of physical and mental health issues and in some cases, even lead to loss of life. As for children who are exposed to violence at home, they are also more likely to become victims of physical abuse. Children who witness domestic violence or are victims of abuse themselves are at a serious risk for long-term physical and mental health problems. This fact demonstrates the grave danger to the stability of family institution and society. Hence, all parties must play their roles effectively especially in reporting incidents of domestic violence. As for the abused wife, they should know their rights that is to live free from violence and to seek for help. There are various mediums and guidelines provided by the government and NGOs to assist women and children who are targeted as violence victims.
For the coming new year, we hope that it will bring a new chapter which is more promising and positive to the family institution especially in Malaysia. We also hope that every member of the family be able to successfully handle any unforeseen challenges. Otherwise, they must seek for third party assistance to preserve a harmonious and peaceful family life. Women deserve to be treated with respect, love and care. The duty of men towards women is mentioned by the Quran, “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means….” (Surah al-Nisa’ (4): 34) The advantage given to men is in the form of responsibility to provide protection, maintenance, education and guidance for women. This advantage does not mean that there is an imbalance of power for men to oppress, hurt and abuse women. It is in line with the sayings of Prophet Muhammad SAW in his last sermon that women have rights over their husbands and they are taken as wives only under Allah’s trust. Indeed, every trust must be taken care of and preserved as these will be accounted for on the Day of Judgement.