SARATOK: About 180 community members and educators attended a programme at SK Wong Besi recently, aimed at raising awareness of domestic violence linked to drug abuse and strengthening support for affected families.
Assistant district education officer Zulkarnain Ahmad said children were often the most affected when drug-related conflict in a household escalated into domestic violence.
“Children growing up in such an environment lose their sense of safety and face severe emotional pressure.
“This, in turn, affects their academic development and character formation.”
Zulkarnain, representing the Saratok District Education Office, said efforts to address the issue required the active involvement of parents, communities, government agencies and non-governmental organisations.
The programme, titled Jerat Keluarga: Intervensi Komuniti Menangani Keganasan Rumah Tangga Akibat Penyalahgunaan Dadah (Family Trap: Community Intervention to Address Domestic Violence Caused by Drug Abuse), was organised by Pertubuhan Amal Anak Sarawak (Al-Ansar).
It was held in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Sarawak PEMADAM, the Royal Malaysia Police, SK Wong Besi and Juara Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd.
Al-Ansar representative Rosmawati Bolhasan said the programme aimed to increase awareness of the link between drug abuse and domestic violence, provide psychosocial support for victims, build a caring community network and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
Participants attended briefings on drug prevention and rehabilitation, the risks of peer influence, and the effects of substances such as methamphetamine and ketum.
The programme also included a parenting talk and a session on the role of family care and affection in protecting households.
