THE Women’s Aid Organisation is shocked by the news of a lecturer strangled to death by her husband. We offer our deepest condolences to the victim’s family.

We would like to comment on two issues that arose from this case.

First, domestic violence and alleged murder. This is the worst outcome of domestic violence. Studies in other countries have shown that approximately two out of five female homicide victims were killed by their intimate partners. We need to better understand the relation between domestic violence and murder in Malaysia.

As a first step, we urge police to analyse and release data on the number of alleged murders due to domestic violence, where the victim was killed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner. We call on Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rina Harun and Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin to look into this.

Another issue is child protection and confidentiality.

Following reports on the case, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff visited the victim’s residence and took pictures with her child. The photos were later posted on social media.

The photos received media coverage, resulting in the child’s name and image being shared publicly.

According to the Child Act 2001, the privacy of children affected by a crime must be protected. In this case, the girl is affected by the alleged murder of her mother, therefore, the child’s identity must not be disclosed. We should not see such lack of judgment from the deputy minister of a ministry in charge of the Child Act.

We request that the ministry, particularly its Welfare Department, being the protector of children, provide support to the child in question and ensure she receives dignified treatment and the utmost respect.

We urge all parties to respect the rights and privacy of children, be more sensitive to their needs and do everything to protect them from the public eye. – August 10, 2020.

* Women’s Aid Organisation provides free shelter, counselling and crisis support to women and children who experience abuse.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.