Women’s Aid Organization: shocking statistics, how to protect yourself in vulnerable situations at home during MCO and more

Disclaimer: please be aware that this article will discuss with topics surrounding physical and mental abuse, acts of violence and trauma. Reader’s discretion is advised. 

For many of us, the word “home” conjures warm sentiments of comfort, peace, and security. It is the one safe bubble we have to seek solace from a long hard day at work, an embarrassing social situation or to simply lounge around in your pajama shorts all day.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for others. To them, the home is one of fear, unpredictability and even violence. Since the MCO began on 18 March, it has been just over 10 weeks that citizens of Malaysia have been ordered to stay inside. Due to lockdown orders, victims now find themselves confined in their homes with their abusers, with less of an excuse to leave throughout the day and seek help. They also run the risk of being further isolated during this period as they could be cut off from their support systems.

This safety concern is not just a concern for women’s groups in Malaysia as the Asian Pacific also saw a rise in domestic abuse cases the past few months. Singapore reported a 33% rise in calls related to family violence in February and India’s National Commission for Women received 69 calls on its helpline from March 24 to April 1.