KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to addressing domestic violence and is intensifying action through several key initiatives focused on protection, support, and awareness.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the initiatives include the “Know Your Rights” programme, a community outreach effort under the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS) implemented across all 12 divisions to educate the public on domestic violence laws and available support.
“JWKS is also organising a 10-part webinar series, Pocket Talk, focusing on various topics concerning women and families.
“Other measures include the One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) established in all hospital emergency departments under the Ministry of Health, providing emergency medical care, police assistance, and psychosocial support for survivors through the Sarawak State Health Department.
“The Sarawak Legal Aid Department is providing legal assistance for survivors to obtain protection orders and navigate court proceedings, while the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) offers temporary shelters and assists with protection orders on their behalf.”
Her remarks were delivered in a speech text read by Deputy Minister Datuk Rosey Yunus when officiating at the closing ceremony of the “Breaking The Silence: Violence Prevention in Sarawak” programme at 56 Hotel here today.
Fatimah also emphasised that tackling domestic violence requires a whole-of-society approach.
“NGOs provide psychosocial support and advocacy, corporations contribute through CSR initiatives, and the public plays a role in reporting risks and breaking the culture of silence.”
She added that the forum is an opportunity for further collaboration, with recommendations from the event helping to shape a more holistic action plan.
“We will continue our efforts to engage with experts and affected communities, to ensure that no voice goes unheard.
“I sincerely hope that the spirit of collaboration built here today will continue to grow and we all recognise that challenges such as domestic violence and community welfare cannot be solved alone.
“They require a holistic approach and sustained commitment. As a state that upholds the principle of ‘Segulai Sejalai’, we must ensure that every Sarawakian lives in safety, with dignity, and free from violence,” Fatimah added.
