WAO Workshop on Domestic Violence

Lively discussions, sharing of ideas and one's opinions.

Participants engrossed in discussions on cases.

Nazlina and Thillai from WAO presenting on DVA.

I had been looking forward to this opportunity and the big day arrived. It was a programme conducted by WAO organised by Perak Women For Women at YMCA, Ipoh on 29 March, 2009.


I was going to cry out that Saturday morning when the lady at the ticket counter told me that the bus would be leaving only at 10.00 am. In fact, I was going to get a taxi to Ipoh from Taiping just to attend it. Luckily, everything turned out fine. There was not going to be a road block due to nomination day for the Bukit Gantang election and the bus would finally leave at 8.30 am. I even met a lovely welfare officer who was also going to the same place. Of course we chit chatted all the way mainly about cases involving abused ladies in our district and our experience and challenges we face.


It was quite fine missing the earlier session as long as we arrived safely. The presenters from WAO were wonderful and I understood well when they spoke about Interim Protection Order and the Akta Keganasan Rumahtangga. Got a chance to speak up through some experience and the problems I had faced before when dealing with a case.



All participants participated actively throughout and voiced out their opinions, anger and frustrations as well. The lunch at YMCA was delicious and I was hungry then.


The workshop continued with group discussions on cases and presentations. However, I was disappointed when four men who attended the morning session went missing . Imagine the welfare departments sent them to attend this workshop and they disappeared. How irresponsible. How lightly they take things. That is the reason why some male welfare officers who deal with domestic violence victims could not understand the hurt , torture and sorrow experienced by victims. Instead they speak of love and blame everything on the ladies. Some even ask the victims to reflect on the honeymoon days of holding hands and starry nights. The true fact is the ladies are being kicked, slapped, hit with sharp instruments , abused verbally, mentally tortured and of course not provided with money by the husbands. Help and protection must be given to the victims instead.


I hope men dealing with DV cases will not side the men but be fair to the ladies. It is high time to catch the culprits and teach them a good lesson. Domestic violence needs to be stopped. Heavier punishments and speedy courts cases are needed to show that we mean action. The longer it takes, the torment experienced is serious and the effects are real bad.

About the workshop, I was glad I had a chance to speak up on the issues. Realised I was speaking too fast as usual when I get excited I usually do that.


I have gained many new friends who have the same interest at heart. Sister Helena, for one is a wonderful person, like Mother Theresa. She said no one can work alone and she's right. I know the meeting with the wonderful ladies at the workshop means a lot.


We are not alone when we are going to help someone. It is the compassion in us that drives us to work all out to help someone despite the danger, criticisms and uphill tasks. We've got to face everything courageously and just move forward. We are living in this new era and yet there are many who are still thinking like it used to be during the last century due to traditions and customs. We must dare to break away from outdated customs and wrong beliefs and be brave to make the changes if necessary.


I believe, I am able to do wonders with the help of others to make a change in someone's life. I'm lucky to have the wonderful groups of people to advise and help when necessary. It makes life meaningful if we can do a good deed at the end of the day. I already know what I'm going to do when I retire one day. All I hope for is good health .


We thank and appreciate the efforts made by PWW, WCC, WAO ,JAG and other women groups in making changes and making the public aware of violence against women and children. All of us definately have to work together to put an end to this.


In the near future, I hope our lady ministers will carry out projects and do their best to fight the same course and bring results.