KUALA LUMPUR: Stigma against men who suffer abuse, including domestic violence, remains strong and is a key reason such cases are underreported, the Dewan Negara was told today.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said while men were also at risk of abuse, many chose not to come forward.
She added that the ministry nevertheless continued to pay attention to such cases despite the low number of reports.
“Data on violence against men is issued by both the police and the Social Welfare Department.
“While the figures differ, what is clear is that men are also at risk of becoming victims and deserve support.”
She was responding to Senator Datuk Nelson Wences Angang, who asked what steps were being taken to address physical and mental abuse against men, which was said to be on the rise.
Noraini said domestic violence investigations were not confined to women as victims, and the Social Welfare Department also investigated cases involving men under the Domestic Violence Act 1994.
She added that a Domestic Violence Committee was set up under the ministry in 2019 to monitor and coordinate initiatives.
“The committee, together with the Women’s Development Department, carries out advocacy and intervention programmes.
“We also have the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline, which is not just for women.”
Meanwhile, on Nelson’s original question on government plans to help husbands who serve as full-time homemakers, Noraini said protection was available under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme introduced by the Human Resources Ministry.
She said the scheme, created under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017, could also be joined by husbands who are homemakers but work independently to earn family income.
“Coverage has been extended to 20 sectors, such as online businesses and information technology.
“Self-employed people, including husbands who contribute to the scheme, will be protected from the date and time the contribution is paid and verified by receipt.”
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