By Nadiah Zamlus
SHAH ALAM, Dec 10 — The Selangor state government has initiated the Integrated Safe Community Programme to address the high number of domestic violence in the state.
With the cooperation of NGO Women’s Aid Organisation, the pilot project was initiated to empower the community as Selangor records the highest number of domestic violence cases nationwide.
State Health, Welfare, Women Empowerment and Family committee chairman Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said clear information on domestic violence will be channelled to the public through the campaign.
“According to the United Nations report, about 15 per cent of women worldwide face domestic violence.
“Selangor also records the highest number of domestic violence cases with 91 out of the total 340 cases (27 per cent) reported to the Social Welfare Department from January to June this year was from the state,” she said on a Bernama talk show on ‘Selangor Safe Community Initiative’, yesterday.
Dr Siti Mariah said since the programme was launched last week, the number of reported domestic violence cases is expected to rise with the increased awareness among the public.
She said the campaign would involve the state government, social activists, the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) and community leaders.
“I hope this pilot project will be emulated by other states as domestic violence can take place anywhere and not only in Selangor,” she said.
