KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will propose upgrades for the Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Children’s Investigations Division’s (D11) facilities as it handles some 11,000 cases annually.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said during her visit to D11’s offices here today that the division’s facilities were due for upgrades.

"I will take note and write to the concerned minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, on how we want to upgrade the D11 unit.

"The unit which takes care of vulnerable groups, those who supposed to be given protection, the children and women; and also because the department has not been upgraded for a long time,” said Dr Wan Azizah who is also Women and Family Development Minister.

Also present during the visit was Deputy Women and Family Development minister Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman, Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim and D11’s Principle Assistant Director, Assistant Commissioner Choo Lily.

The D11 was created in 2007 aimed at providing support and assistance for victims and witnesses involved in criminal cases involving sexual and domestic abuse.

Officers in the division are tasked with assisting those involved with lodging police reports, conducting counselling sessions, crisis situation interventions at home or at hospitals, and assuming the role of a Victim Care Officer (VCO).

The division also conducts interviews on minors at the Child Interview Centre (CIC), while providing psychological support for victims placed at their Victim Care Centre (VCC).

Considering its responsibilities, Dr Wan Azizah said there was a real need for D11’s current facilities to be upgraded.

"Now the volume of cases they handle surpasses 11,000 cases a year; the sheer volume is the reason why they need to be upgraded,” she said.