Not as simple as giving financial aids

SHAH ALAM - The Women's and Girls' Self-Development Organisation (Woman: girls) hopes that the government's initiative to help victims of domestic violence does not stop at just giving financial aid.

Its president Low Ngai Yuen said another aspect that needs to be prioritised is improving income-generating skills so that the people concerned can start a new life independently.

She said this includes running small businesses and money management skills.

"It's a start which I think is very good but the government needs to facilitate the process of channelling aid to them," she told Sinar on Thursday.

In the meantime, Low said, apart from skills they also need shelter and other facilities.

She further said women who are victims need to feel safe again after going through a difficult phase in the household.

"They need a safe shelter with their children because that is the priority when victims decide to save themselves.

"Vehicle facilities and capital assistance need to be thought about if the government is serious about helping women who are prosecuted," she explained.

On Wednesday, Sinar Harian had reported that the government approved an allocation of RM1 million under Tabung Kasih Rahmah to help women who need help in desperate situations, including victims of domestic violence.

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, the government had approved it based on the suggestion by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Low added that corporate groups should also be encouraged to participate as a sign of support for the government's efforts to help women.

"I feel that with the participation of corporate bodies, they can provide job opportunities and skills for them to start being independent," she said.