JOHOR BARU: A 33-year-old woman who says she is a victim of domestic violence has come forward to talk about her experience and advise others not to suffer in silence.
The woman, who gave her name only as Teo, said her 33-year-old husband started hitting her about two years ago while she was pregnant with their first child.
"We often argued while I was pregnant because he liked frequenting entertainment centres at night.
"Once, about two months before I was due, our argument became heated and that was the first time he hit me," she told a press conference held by Johor Bersatu associate wing public complaints bureau chief Lim Thow Siang here on Friday (Dec 27).
The self-employed woman claimed that her husband hit her several times over the years, and once even tried to strangle her while she was pregnant.
She added that their arguments stemmed from her husband’s gambling habits.
Teo said they have been living apart since September.
"I thought he had changed his ways so I agreed to let him visit our two children to celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival together on Sunday (Dec 22).
"However, he kept bringing up the past, including a misunderstanding between our mothers, and the situation became heated.
"Things got out of hand. He slapped me several times and shoved me against the wall, leaving me with bruises on my arms and back," she said.
Teo said she finally decided enough was enough, and lodged a police report against him for the first time the same day.
"The authorities and laws must protect victims of domestic violence so that they dare to speak up about their suffering.
"As mothers, we are also worried about the welfare of our children when we get called to the police station to assist in investigations. Who is going to help us take care of them?" she said.
Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat confirmed that a police report had been received, and an investigation was underway.
Lim said social workers like him are in a position to provide crucial support to domestic violence victims.
"It is already difficult for them to speak out about their experience.
"Without support from society, it is even more difficult for them to seek help," he said.
