LETTERS: Last year, following the implementation of the first Movement Control Order (MCO), we saw a rise in domestic violence cases across the nation.
Malaysia is not alone in dealing with this issue as according to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), France, the United States and China also saw a spike in reported cases of domestic violence during lockdowns due to the pandemic.
In the first month of the MCO 1.0, the Women's Aid Organisation recorded a quadruple increase in the number of calls related to domestic violence.
We have yet to receive any report on the number of calls during the MCO 2.0 this year. However, we hope that this time, with the cooperation of non-govermental organisations (NGOs) and measures taken by the government, domestic violence cases could be reduced significantly.
In my experience as a women's rights activist, the hike recorded by the authorities and NGOs regarding the reports of domestic violence cases is viewed in foreboding nature as, in reality, most domestic violence cases are not reported by the victims. They are too afraid of their abusers and are unaware of the channels that exist to assist them.
Being in isolation during the MCO would prove detrimental to these victims, as they have nowhere to go and are confined in the same space with their abusers.
Even with the existence of platforms for these victims to call for help, they need the support of those who are near them to give them the courage to stand up and save themselves from further abuse.
In 2018, the Housing and Local Government Ministry enacted the first National Community Policy to ensure women were not be left behind in the initiatives implemented by the government.
This includes the community providing a safe and secure environment for women to grow and achieve their full potential, which is a must in nation-building.
We need more representation of women in decision-making positions, as they represent not only the current population but also the future generations.
Women nurture the country in their roles as mother, caretaker, and in almost all situations, act as the voice of reason.
Women's contribution to the country cannot be overlooked and if we were to treat them unfairly or ignore their cries for help in times of need, we will not become a truly developed nation.
All of us should take a stand and say we have had enough of situations where women are being abused and neglected, especially by those who are the closest to them.
If the husband, father or any other person in a woman's life cannot guarantee her safety in her own home, then we as a community should come together and support her.
Whether it is in the urban or rural area, the community needs to play its part. Take action if people suspect that women are being abused at home.
In establishing the National Community Policy, we also organised Penggerak Komuniti Negara, which comprises NGOs to help and guide the community in implementing the policy.
Community leaders can contact the representative of this organisation to assist them in tackling domestic violence. Our community needs a zero-tolerance policy on domestic violence.
A country is only as strong as its community and a strong community cannot be achieved if women are not treated fairly.
Zuraida Kamaruddin
Housing and local government minister
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times