DOMESTIC violence cases in Malaysia have continued to climb, reaching 7,391 last year, as the government highlights economic abuse that can leave victims financially dependent and unable to meet their basic needs.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri said the number of cases rose from 5,507 in 2023 to 7,016 in 2024, before increasing further in 2025. Another 5,278 cases were recorded between January and August this year.
She said domestic violence was not confined to physical or emotional abuse, but could also involve controlling a partner’s access to money, including withholding funds for household necessities or reprimanding them for personal purchases.
Nancy cited situations in which a wife who did not work was expected to prepare meals but was not given money to buy groceries, or was scolded for ordering items online or buying clothes.
“If a husband comes home expecting his wife to cook, but she does not work and he does not give her money for kitchen necessities, how is she supposed to prepare the food?” she said.
She was speaking on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme, titled “Keluarga Sejahtera: Kasih Terpelihara, Penjagaan Diperkasa”, on Monday.
Nancy said financial control could deprive victims of the ability to make decisions about their own needs, particularly if they had no income or independent access to money.
She added that some victims remained silent or withdrew police reports out of fear, making it harder to address domestic violence.
The ministry offers counselling, intervention services and financial assistance for court proceedings to help victims leave abusive situations and rebuild their lives, she said.
Nancy also warned that children who witnessed domestic violence could grow up viewing abusive behaviour as normal and repeat the same patterns in their own relationships.
She urged the public not to treat domestic violence as a private family matter and to report suspected cases through Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp at 019-261 5999. - October 27, 2026
