PETALING JAYA, Nov 30 — There were 279 reported cases of female senior citizens physically abused by their spouses in Malaysia in the first eight months of this year.
This comes as a shock for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry as it is the first time that abuse of victims aged above 60 has been reported.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Rohani Karim, said the majority of the cases involved physical violence because of misunderstanding caused by jealousy or financial problems.
She said many of the victims only spoke up after much contemplation.
“They would start to think about what would happen to them or what would happen to their children. These thoughts hinder them from moving towards a violence-free life,” she said.
Rohani said there was an elderly woman who put up with abuse for more than 15 years before she finally lodged a report.
“One of the hardest parts for victims in coming forward is overcoming social stigma and prejudice,” she said.
She advised “silent” victims to come forward and demand their rights to live free from violence.
“Based on my encounters with domestic abuse victims, they would feel liberated once they have spoken up,” she said.
Rohani said the ministry received data on the abuse from police and was in the midst of identifying victims.
“The ministry is still trying to get a breakdown — according to location, race and religion — before we can engage the victims to understand and eliminate the cause,” she said.
Rohani noted that most victims, regardless of age, said police reports were not lodged because they were afraid of the consequences.
The number of domestic violence cases for the first eight months was 3,343 cases, with Selangor having the highest number (519), followed by Johor (429 cases) and Kelantan (402).
The 279 cases, involving victims aged 60 and above, made up 8.3 per cent of all domestic violence cases.
Women’s Aid Organisation vice-president Tashia Peterson said although the ministry was receiving reports of domestic violence against senior women for the first time, there was no evidence it had not happened in the past.
“Reliable statistics on domestic abuse are not easy to attain as many cases go unreported. It often takes place behind closed doors. The actual statistics are difficult to ascertain,” she said.
According to residents at WAO’s shelter and those who call their helpline, the number of elderly domestic violence survivors remains consistently lower than 10 per cent each year and is the smallest of all age groups.
“Every year, the largest age group of our domestic violence clients are those in their 20’s and 30’s, particularly in the 26 to 35 range,” she said.
Peterson said even though the percentage of reported cases of elderly domestic violence survivors is less than 10 per cent, they are a vulnerable group.
“Elderly people usually do not have a consistent income, struggle with physical ailments, and are dependent on family members for help and support,” she saID.
“That could make them hesitant in making police reports or getting the help they need.”
