Domestic Violence Victims Can Get Emergency Protection Order Without Police Report, Says Ministry

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Victims of domestic violence can obtain an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) through the Social Welfare Department (JKM) without first lodging a police report, said the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry

According to Bernama, Deputy Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying said the EPO is one of three forms of legal protection available to domestic violence victims.

The other two are the Interim Protection Order (IPO) and Protection Order (PO), which are issued by the courts and require a police report before they can be obtained.

The deputy minister made the reminder during the Kasih Lensa Keluarga podcast on Bernama TV on Tuesday, 7 October.

Lim said victims who have escaped domestic violence should also be supported in rebuilding their lives and becoming self-reliant

She said the ministry's approach to addressing domestic violence focuses on four areas: prevention, protection, intervention, and rehabilitation.

"To strengthen the family institution, our programmes emphasise prevention. Subsequently, when an incident occurs, we focus on protection. We must have intervention measures in place, and another vital aspect is rehabilitation," she said.

Lim also urged people to address family conflicts through communication, mutual respect, and open discussion rather than violence.

"If violence or a threat to safety occurs, victims must seek help," she said.

She added that the ministry is also working with the police, government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the community to tackle domestic violence

The collaboration is being carried out through a committee focusing on data, education, capacity building, and protection.

Lim said members of the community, including family members and neighbours, also have a role to play in helping victims.

"Neighbours and family members need to shift their mindset and realise that this is not a matter of interfering in other people's family affairs. Domestic violence is a crime; therefore, we can lodge a report," she said.

Members of the public can also contact the 24-hour Talian Kasih hotline at 15999 to lodge reports, seek advice, or access psychosocial counselling services. Domestic violence reports received through the hotline will be referred to JKM for further action.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

If you or anyone you know may be at risk of domestic violence, please call these Malaysian hotlines:

1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter

2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Weekdays (9.30am – 4.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter

3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Weekdays (9am – 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4390698 
Email: [email protected] 
Website | Facebook | Twitter

4. TALIAN KASIH
24-hour
Contact: 15999
WhatsApp: +6019-2615999
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook 

5. TELENISA LEGAL AID CLINIC
Weekdays (8am – 10pm)
Contact: +6012-8123424
WhatsApp: +6012-8123424
Email: [email protected] 
Facebook | Twitter 

6. BUDDY BEAR CHILDLINE
Daily (12pm – 12am)
Contact: 1800-18-2327
Email: [email protected]Facebook | Instagram