According to Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, 12 mosques in the Federal Territories have been chosen to act as centers for handling complaints and providing counseling for victims of domestic violence who may need advice, psychological support, or counseling.
Additionally, the Women, Family, and Community Development Minister also stated that the Federal Territory Mosque (Jalan Duta) and Al Ghufran Mosque (Taman Tun Dr Ismail) in Kuala Lumpur have been designated as transit centers for domestic violence victims to seek protection.
“The ministry is working with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) to establish these transit centers in mosques in the Federal Territories,” she explained during her speech at the Eliminate Violence Against Women (EVAW) event in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (Nov 25).
Nancy highlighted that this initiative has been in place since 2021 as part of Jawi’s plan for mosques.
She emphasized that the issue of domestic violence against women and girls is a global concern that transcends borders, religion, race, and culture.
Referring to a United Nations (UN) report, she pointed out that nearly one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence at least once in their lives.
“This tragedy manifests in various settings and circumstances, including public places, workplaces, and online, and has been further exacerbated by the effects of the post-pandemic Covid-19 era,” remarked Nancy.
She also highlighted the five identified forms of violence against women: physical, sexual, social and financial, as well as psychological and emotional abuse.
Nancy noted that while society may be more aware of physical and sexual abuse, there is less awareness about other types of violence against women such as threats, insults, and emotional abuse.
Police statistics provided by Nancy indicated that a total of 9,334 cases of violence against women, including domestic violence, rape, and sexual harassment, were recorded in 2021 nationwide, with 8,580 cases in 2022, and 5,050 cases reported as of August this year.
In response to the issue of domestic violence, the ministry has implemented the Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy (AAGS) to raise awareness and educate the public about sexual harassment. Nancy highlighted that a total of 66 AAGS programs have been implemented with 19,423 participants as of Monday (Nov 20).
Regarding a case of alleged sexual assault by a senior citizen on two girls at a temporary flood victim evacuation center in the Kuala Nerus district, Nancy confirmed that the victims have been provided with counseling, while the suspect has been arrested. – Bernama
