Husbands also victims of domestic violence - Police

SHAH ALAM - A total of 121 cases of domestic violence against husbands have been recorded in Selangor since January.

State Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said that based on records, victims of domestic violence not only involve wives or children but husbands also suffered abuse.

"The reported cases include injuries following disputes, as well as mental and emotional abuse," he said.

He revealed this during a press conference after the launch of the Selangor Police Domestic Violence Prevention Seminar at the Karangkraf Group Complex here yesterday.

Also present were Karangkraf Group Advisor Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub and the State Exco for Women and Family Empowerment, Community Welfare, and State Care Economy, Anfaal Saari.

Hussein stated that Selangor has had the highest number of domestic violence cases compared to other states in the past three years, with 813 cases reported from January to August this year alone.

"Police statistics show an increase in domestic violence cases in Selangor from 2017 to 2021, except for a decrease in 2022, with 466 cases reported.

"Of these cases, 593 involved injuries, 153 involved threats, and 49 involved betrayals," he said.

He said women were the largest group of victims of domestic violence during the period from January to August 2023, with 352 cases, followed by siblings (177 cases) and husbands (121 cases).

He added that other victims include former spouses, in-laws, stepchildren, and cousins.

He said that Gombak district had the highest number of domestic violence cases, with 147 cases.

"In addition, other districts like Kajang recorded 91 cases, followed by Petaling Jaya (79 cases), Sungai Buloh (26 cases), Sabak Bernam (25 cases), and Shah Alam (21 cases).

According to him, awareness of domestic violence was one of the factors driving increased police reports by victims.

"In terms of population, Selangor has a high population, and its residents have awareness about the importance of taking early action, such as making police reports," he said.

Hussein urged all parties to work together with the police in addressing this issue.

"Delay in making police reports is one of the challenges.

'In this regard, the community needs to be more aware of what is happening around them.

"Come forward to make a report and do not remain silent if you have information or become a victim of domestic violence," he said.