Domestic violence is frequently driven by fear. Fear of the abuser’s next move, fear of going insane, fear that no one will believe you. Most of them who are harmed are naturally fearful of their partner’s reaction if they report them; nevertheless, some do so regardless.
Who would have thought the life of a former medical student would turn out to be miserable?
Yoshita, a former medical student who claims to be a victim of domestic violence questioned why actions have not been taken against her husband. For a long time, Yoshita tried to shrug things off, remaining silent every time her husband assaulted her.
It ain’t a fight against men; it’s a fight to hear women out.
Till date, a total number of eight police reports have been lodged in Sungai Petani and Selangor. It had even surprised her when the complaint made by her younger brother against his abusive brother-in-law was also not taken seriously.
For the past 12 years, her husband and in-laws had tortured her physically and mentally. She stayed with her husband’s family in Sungai Petani, Kedah, and she was assaulted, kicked, strangled, spit on, slapped, even hurled with harsh words.
“I don’t seem to comprehend that what my husband is doing is truly domestic violence; I tried to survive, but the longer it went on, the worse it got; he was swift into becoming enraged about everything, then exploited it all by blaming me for being the reason.”
The mother of three described being dragged off a ladder, yanked by her hair, and kicked while pregnant as a tragic experience. It has been psychologically traumatising for this woman who left her family home after marriage.
Despite being given protection by the Petaling Jaya Magistrate Court for Yoshita and her son, she is still worried as her two daughters are still under her husband’s care and living with her mother-in-law.
“I don’t want my daughters to go over the same ground again,” said Yoshita.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, remember that you’re not alone. Here are some options on ways to reach out for help:
Option 1: Contact the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
- WAO Hotline: +603 3000 8858 (24 hours)
- SMS/WhatsApp TINA: +6018 988 8058 (24 hours)
Option 2: Head to “One Stop Crisis Centre” at any Government Hospitals
- One Stop Crisis Centres (OSCC) are located at emergency rooms of government hospitals. Medical doctors will provide treatment for any injury and also collect medical evidence, which can be used in court. You can lodge a police report at the hospital if you wish to make one. The OSCC can also help you access police protection, shelter, legal advice, and counselling via the Medical Social Worker or Social Welfare Officer. It is, however, NOT mandatory to make a police report for domestic violence in order to get medical treatment. Medical services at the OSCC are free for survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence. You should bring your IC with you to the OSCC.
Option 3: Obtain an ‘Emergency Protection Order’ from the Social Welfare Department (JKM)
- An Emergency Protection Order (EPO) is an order issued by the social welfare (JKM) officer instructing the perpetrator to stop committing acts of violence towards you. An EPO can be obtained at any time by calling Talian Nur (15999) which is available 24 hours a day, or by visiting the nearest JKM office. You should bring your IC and your child’s birth certificate (if applicable) with you to JKM. You do not need to make a police report to get an EPO. It will be valid for 7 days. An EPO can be applied before obtaining an Interim Protection Order (IPO) or Protection Order (PO).
Let’s not just point people in the right direction, let’s walk with them. We hope Yoshita get’s the justice that she deserves!
Source: Malaysia Gazette
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