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Domestic violence cases are on the rise in Malaysia this year. / Yonhap News Agency

Domestic violence cases in Malaysia have begun rising again this year, prompting calls for stronger protection and support for victims. As domestic violence increasingly takes forms beyond physical assault, including financial control and online harassment, establishing a practical support system for victims who hesitate to report abuse due to housing and financial concerns has emerged as a key challenge.

According to local media outlets, including The Sun Daily, a total of 5,278 domestic violence cases were recorded nationwide from January through August this year, up 4.7% from 5,041 during the same period last year. The annual number of cases fell 8.3% to 6,522 in 2025 from 7,116 in 2024, but the trend has reversed this year. In particular, April recorded 766 cases, the highest monthly figure so far this year, while July and August each saw 632 cases.

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) recently noted that domestic violence has taken increasingly diverse forms beyond physical assault, including financial control, forced social isolation and online harassment.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri warned that online surveillance and threats could harm not only victims but also their families, emphasizing that "domestic violence is not a private matter, but an issue of safety and human rights." She added that cooperation across society is needed to prevent abuse and address its underlying causes.

Victims' reluctance to report abuse is also considered a major problem. The ministry explained that housing and financial difficulties, along with the burden of raising children, are among the factors preventing victims from coming forward. Some victims delay reporting abuse until the violence becomes severe, while others withdraw their reports within days of filing them. There are concerns that these circumstances make it difficult for victims to escape their abusers and limit their opportunities to receive protection when they need it.

To support the recovery and independence of women affected by domestic violence, the Malaysian government launched two support programs, Aku Wanita@KRT and Road to EVAW, in May and August this year, respectively.

Aku Wanita@KRT aims to improve awareness of domestic violence reporting and support victims' emotional recovery through K-Chat, a group psychological counseling program, and guidance on responding to violence. Road to EVAW focuses on helping women escape abusive situations and establish independent lives through temporary accommodation and financial assistance. In addition, tailored services such as Matahari, which provides psychological support, and Iris, which offers legal information, are operated in coordination with women's development offices in individual states.

Counseling and reporting channels are also available for victims seeking assistance. The government-supported Talian Kasih hotline (15999) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and counseling and reporting services are also available through messaging platforms.

As of October this year, Talian Kasih had received a cumulative 104,784 calls, surpassing the 98,050 calls recorded throughout 2025. However, these figures represent all calls received for counseling and assistance, not just reports of domestic violence.

"We will continue improving the relevant systems so that frontline response agencies, including the police and social welfare authorities, can identify early warning signs of domestic violence and respond swiftly," Nancy said.

                                                                                                            Hong Seong-a