JOHOR BARU: Women rights group and non-governmental agencies (NGOs) have been urged to continue all efforts to assist abused women who are victims of domestic violence.
Women Development Department director general Datuk Yatimah Sarjiman said there had been a rise among women who became victims of abusive relationship and domestic violence.
Yatimah said abused women must report to the authorities so that they can seek help, protection and safety from their abuser.
"This is where the women's NGO come into the picture as we are the support group and through various outreach programmes we can help these victims to break away from their nightmares," said Yatimah during the inaugural 2nd annual general meeting of Johor Empowerment of Intellectual Women Association here in Johor Baru.
According to Yatimah, between January and March this year a total of 1,500 cases had been reported to the department nationwide comprising cases involving physical abuses, depression and financial hardships.
"Many of the cases were also influenced by mental distress which stemmed from workplace and also relationships with their spouses and its our pivotal role to bring them out from their misery and help them to lead a better life," she said.
Yatimah added more than 300 women's group and NGOs around the country are working closely with the department in organising women empowerment programmes and domestic violence awareness campaigns as part continuous efforts to help women involved in abusive situations.
Translated from Berita Harian