THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Domestic violence cases 'fall' in Brunei

Domestic violence cases 'fall' in Brunei

Brunei's community development department (Japem) has reported a decline in the number of domestic violence cases this year.

Siti Zaharah Abd Razak, acting assistant director of Japem’s family, women and children division, said nine cases of domestic violence against women were reported to the department from January to November this year.
There were 28 and 27 domestic violence cases recorded in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
“This decrease is due to the fact that women now know where to go and are empowered to report it to the police or go to hospitals,” she told The Brunei Times in an interview.
Japem’s statistics do not include reports of domestic violence to the Royal Brunei Police Force.
She said some women prefer to discuss and settle their matters within the household. It is important to seek help by first going to family members and then going to relevant authorities, she added.
“Women should respect themselves. Seeking help from family members is already a sign of respecting yourself. At the end of the day, protection and comfort from the family is what you need.”
Siti Zaharah said more should be done to educate women on domestic violence even if efforts had been done to spread awareness in Brunei.
Mordiah Jackia, Brunei representative to the Asean Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Women and Children, said agencies are conducting more public awareness programmes, resulting in more women willing to report violence against them.
“Through reporting, they know their voices are heard and the assistance that is provided by respective agencies.”
Mordiah added that women must understand how and why violence occurs, and that women should be aware of their surroundings at all times.
“Daughters should lock their bedroom doors when sleeping to avoid being molested at home by irresponsible people. Young teenage girls should also be wary of the boys they are with to avoid gang rape,” she added.
To women who feel they are victims of violence either at home or outside, Mordiah said there are a number of agencies that are available to help, such as Japem, the police and hospitals.
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