Normalisation of violence greatest barrier to progress, says Wanita Keadilan

WANITA Keadilan today said the normalisation of violence in both domestic and public spheres is one of the greatest barriers to progress. 

Just last week, the “punching” incident in the Sabah State Assembly, though amicably settled between the parties, must never be accepted as normal public behaviour, said its vice-chief, Sangetha Jayakumar 

"We must break the silence surrounding this issue and challenge societal attitudes that trivialise or minimise such behaviour.

"At the same time, we must address the issue of mistrust in women’s reports of violence," she said in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

She also said that support for victims is another critical area requiring urgent attention. 

"We have to ask ourselves what policy measures can be put in place to provide more support to women in crisis. 

"There is also an urgent need for financial support for shelters for women and children in crises. 

"Most shelters are run by NGOs, which do commendable work but require increased support to expand their reach and capacity," she said.

She said at present, much emphasis and public support are given to children’s welfare homes.

"We must not forget that most women in crises have children with them. Therefore, it is equally important to implement policies that sustainably support women’s shelters," said Sangetha.

She also said that the definition of domestic violence and its manifestations must be updated to reflect current social norms.

She said this broader definition is crucial because domestic violence is often reduced to only physical violence, ignoring the other forms of abuse that women and children endure, such as emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse. 

"Recognising these diverse forms of violence ensures a more inclusive and effective approach to intervention and support. "However, this expanded understanding also underscores the pressing need for more resources and specialised training for frontline responders, such as the police (PDRM) and the Ministry of Health (KKM), who are often the first points of contact for victims," she said.

She said that without adequate support, they may lack the capacity to respond effectively, leading to delays, oversights, or insufficient assistance for victims. 

"Enhanced resources, better inter-agency coordination, and continuous professional development are essential to ensure these responders are equipped to handle the multifaceted nature of domestic violence and provide timely, empathetic, and comprehensive care. 

"As we mark this important day, Wanita Keadilan reaffirms our commitment to creating a society where women can live free from fear and violence. 

"It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every woman and girl feels safe in her home, workplace, and community," she added. - November 25, 2024