PETALING JAYA: The issue of domestic violence (DV) must be tackled as if it is an investment, especially due to its growing seriousness, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family, and Community Development Minister said DV should be a priority not only for the government but also for society as a whole.
“As a government, we must treat this issue as an investment. We must take adequate measures, especially as recent cases have escalated into serious crimes, including violent acts that terrorise people,” she said.
“By investing more resources into this issue, we can take more proactive steps. This is not just our ministry’s responsibility, but one that involves other ministries as well.
“So, why not approach it as a form of investment?
“If every ministry examines this issue not from a negative perspective, but by focusing on nurturing positive values, we can reduce this challenge,” she said.
Nancy also highlighted the frightening nature of criminal activities, particularly when they occur within one’s home or relationships.
In light of recent incidents involving shootings and stabbings related to domestic disputes, Nancy argued that the issue must be addressed beyond just legal measures.
While Talian Kasih, which operates round the clock, provides assistance and directs DV cases to the appropriate avenues, she said more awareness is needed to highlight the issue.
“We also conduct advocacy programmes in schools, with various speakers providing information through talks and police sharing, without emphasising too much negativity. However, we still need to inform students,” she said.
Additionally, Nancy pointed to community-based organisations as well as the ministry’s own volunteer initiative, Skuad Waja, which has over 300,000 members actively involved in local communities.
This, she said, could help communities become more aware of the issues affecting them, with the involvement of village chiefs.
On the topic of funding for the ministry’s programmes and advocacy efforts, Nancy acknowledged that available funds were limited due to high commitments.
She said there was a need to help people transition out of the welfare system and into financial stability.
“We have a two-year exit plan where we speak to recipients interested in stopping welfare support. The number of participants is small, and the percentage is low, but we still have those who have successfully transitioned out of welfare,” said Nancy in an interview.
She said the ministry is working to increase its funding for the coming year and urged the public to understand the situation.
“While we receive a lot of funding, we also distribute a lot. Over 80% of our funds are already allocated for specific purposes, especially welfare.
“We need more funds for educational and awareness programmes. That said, we are grateful to be working with the Education Ministry on advocacy programmes,” she said.
In a recent development on Monday, Nancy launched the Elimination of Violence Against Women campaign, aimed at addressing the spike in sexual violence cases, particularly those involving girls, and raising community awareness.
She pointed out that while men also faced sexual harassment but do not report to the police, more than 1,000 male victims have sought help at social support centres.
Previously, the ministry recorded only a dozen cases, but this number increased to over 1,000 after the advocacy programme was launched.
