DOMESTIC violence remains a pressing social issue in Malaysia, cutting across ethnicity, income levels, and geographic boundaries.
Despite legal advancements such as the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (amended in 2012) and recent improvements in reporting mechanisms, countless victims, particularly in Sarawak, continue to suffer in silence.
On May 2, 2025, a national newspaper reported on the increasing number of domestic violence cases.
For the year 2024, there were 7,116 domestic violence reports to the Police. It was an increase of 65.7 per cent over the 2023 figure of 4,294 cases.
SAC Siti Kamsiah Hassan, Federal Criminal Investigation Department’s Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division (D11) Principal Assistant Director, expressed deep concerns as much violence between married couples and intimate partners is not reported.
Observation
The situation in Sarawak is particularly alarming.
In 2024, reported cases of domestic violence rose by 44.5 per cent as compared to 2023, during which only 473 cases were officially recorded.
However, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), for every domestic violence case reported, there may be up to ten that go unreported.
This is supported by Social Stigma Theory, which suggests that victims often remain silent due to the shame associated with being labelled a “victim”, cultural norms, fear of disbelief, or pressure to uphold family honour.
Additionally, the Iceberg Theory reinforces the belief that reported cases represent only the visible tip of a much larger, hidden problem.
Societal, psychological and systemic barriers further contribute to the significant under-reporting of such incidents.
Based on these theoretical frameworks, it is reasonable to estimate that the actual number of domestic violence cases could be ten times higher than what is officially documented.
An example of domestic violence in Sarawak
A 43-year-old woman who was allegedly beaten up by her estranged husband in a rented apartment in Batu Gong, Siburan, on January 22, 2024, has died.
Police arrested the suspect on January 22 under Section 323 of the Penal Code and Section 18a of the Domestic Violence Act of 1994, and have reclassified the case under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Women Aid Organisation Survey Results
A survey conducted by The Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) in 2021 revealed the following findings:
- 53.3 per cent of Malaysians in the survey sample believed that domestic violence is a normal reaction to stress or frustration.
- 43 per cent of respondents agreed with the perception that a woman’s actions could provoke a man to the point of physical violence, even if it was not intentional.
- 26.5 per cent of Malaysians surveyed expressed the view that domestic violence may be forgivable if it occurs during a moment of intense emotional distress or loss of self-control.
Contributing Factors of Domestic Violence
Factors that may fuel the domestic violence crisis:
1. Economic Pressures
The state’s rural economy is still recovering from COVID-19. Job losses in logging, oil and agriculture have left families vulnerable. About 30 per cent of rural households fall in the D40 group, according to a Social Economic Report. Economic stress has correlated with increased alcohol misuse and interpersonal violence.
2. Cultural Norms and Patriarchy
Deep-rooted patriarchal beliefs in many indigenous communities normalise control and violence in intimate relationships. A 2024 survey by a group of postgraduate students revealed that 45 per cent of rural women believed physical discipline by a husband was acceptable under “certain circumstances”. Community elders often pressure victims to “resolve” disputes privately, reinforcing silence over justice.
3. Lack of Access to Support Services
Vast distances and inadequate infrastructure hinder help-seeking. Domestic violence victims often travel up to five hours by river or road to reach police stations or clinics in the rural central region – if they choose to report at all.
4. The Digital Divide
Although online tools have helped urban victims report abuse anonymously, many rural Sarawakians lack smart phones or reliable Internet access. Mobile apps and online portals remain out of reach for thousands, particularly older women and those in remote longhouses.
Ongoing Challenges and Recommendations
Despite these efforts, systemic challenges remain:
- Cultural Resistance: Informal conflict resolution by village leaders – often men – discourages victims from seeking formal justice or protection orders.
- Data Gaps: Limited case tracking, especially of unreported or informally handled incidents, distorts understanding and skews policy planning.
To mitigate these, stakeholders must take bolder action:
1. Increase State Budget Allocation
At least 15 per cent of the state’s annual budget should be funnelled into social services, prioritising rural and indigenous community infrastructure, shelter access, and training.
2. Empower Community Leaders
Equip headmen, teachers and religious leaders with training to identify abuse, and refer victims to appropriate channels. Indigenous advocates must be included in policy design.
3. Expand Technology Access
Deploy offline reporting systems via SMS and toll-free lines accessible via basic mobile phones. Establish mobile legal clinics to travel to underserved areas monthly.
4. Strengthen Legal Protections
Implement mandatory bystander intervention training in schools and workplaces. Penalties for repeat offenders must be increased, and restraining order enforcement enhanced, especially in remote jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Today’s column underscores that domestic violence in our country is not just a private issue, but a community emergency. Cultural sensitivity, legal reform, and investment in rural services are essential. Survivors must be supported, not silenced.
As a former Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Hamid Bador, reminded the nation, “Every reported case is a step toward justice; our duty is to ensure no cry for help goes unheard.”
Sarawak’s people – rural and urban, young and old – deserve homes free from violence and fear. With sustained effort and united commitment, that vision is possible.
Let us work together to create a peaceful and safe society by fostering civic-mindedness through open communication and mutual understanding.
