THERE are fears that cases of domestic violence would escalate during the movement control order period, with the abuser and survivor cooped up in the same environment.

Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) said while emergency calls from survivors have decreased modestly during this period, they are however anticipating the complaints to increase when the MCO is lifted.

The group is of the view that victims would not be able to call in for help as they are being monitored by their abusers. 

“Of the calls we have received, many have asked if they can escape during the MCO,” said Tan Heang-Lee from WAO. 

Tan told The Malaysian Insight that before MCO was enforced on March 18, the organisation received an average of 77.5 hotline calls and WhatsApp enquiries per week.

However, that figure reduced to an average of 73 hotline calls and WhatsApp enquiries per week during the restriction period. 

Despite the numbers showing a small reduction, Tan said victims are at greater risk of being abused because they are trapped at home with the abuser all day long. 

It will also be more difficult for them to seek help because the abuser might be monitoring their actions. 

She said there may be an increase in the number of cases during MCO but the figures might not reflect immediately, adding that there might be a spike in reporting once the MCO is lifted. 

“Generally speaking, there could be an increase in victims during this time, mainly because they are in the house with the perpetrator. 

“There could be many survivors who would want to reach out for help but that could actually endanger them if the abuser is to find out,” she said. 

Tan said in this time of crisis, concerns over health and finances could further aggravate domestic violence. 

“Survivors working in the informal sectors are not able to work currently and cannot earn an income. It makes them more dependent on the abuser. 

“The situation makes things even harder for the survivors,“ she said. 

Tan also said they have received many calls from survivors asking if it was acceptable for them to escape during MCO as they faced uncertainties.

She said that they rescued a victim during this period as she was badly abused by her husband. 

“In light of this MCO, they wanted to know if they are able to move or not. So, when we receive such calls, we advise survivors on steps they can take to leave safely. 

“During this MCO, a survivor got in touch with us via WhatsApp and we were able to alert the police. Within the same day, police did an immediate rescue and moved her to a safe place. 

“She was badly abused by her husband,” she said. 

The activist also said domestic abuse happens across the board and affects all races. However, statistics collected over the last three years showed that younger women face the highest risk of domestic violence. 

Given the risk to domestic violence during the MCO, Tan said WAO has stepped up efforts to support survivors by extending the operation hours to 24 hours. 

She said there are several ways of preventing domestic violence from happening, adding that the community and neighbours should be vigilant and report any cases of abuse. 

She also advised one to ring the doorbell if they hear neighbours fighting or suspect that someone is being abused. 

“Ring their house bell and approach the situation, but ensure your safety at all times. If you can, bring someone with you,” she said, adding that the final act would be to call the police and report. 

Persons experiencing domestic violence call the WAO Hotline at 03 7956 3488 or WhatsApp TINA at 018 988 8058. – April 1, 2020.