SARIKEI, Oct 25 2026: Members of the public have been urged to refrain from recording and circulating videos regarding domestic violence incidents on social media to safeguard the safety and privacy of victims.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said they should report domestic violence incidents directly to the authorities for actions to be taken.
He called upon the community to take appropriate action whenever they witness or suspect abuse taking place.
“The public should not record or share such incidents on social media; instead, they should channel the information to the authorities so that appropriate action can be taken,” he said when officiating the Legal Advocacy Programme on the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521) at the Sarawak government administration office, Sarikei Division, yesterday.
He stressed that victims of domestic violence require public protection and support to help them seek assistance through proper official channels.
He added that members of the public can lodge reports with the police or contact Talian Kasih at 15999 for further assistance and guidance.
He emphasised that addressing domestic violence requires collective cooperation from all parties to ensure such incidents are not taken lightly and that victims receive the necessary protection.
Len advised victims of domestic violence not to feel ashamed and apprehension over public perception from coming forward to seek protection.
He said that shifting societal perspectives is crucial to ensuring victims do not feel isolated when enduring abuse.
According to him, the societal mindset that views domestic violence as a private family matter often causes abuse cases to remain hidden, leaving victims without proper justice and support.
“Efforts to raise awareness must continue so that the public understands this issue is unacceptable and should not be swept under the rug merely to preserve family reputation,” he said.
He highlighted that domestic violence causes not only physical harm, but also inflicts lasting damage on a victim's emotional and psychological well-being.
He noted that men can also be victims of domestic abuse by their partners; however, the prevailing stereotype that men are always capable of defending themselves often leads to their suffering being dismissed or overlooked.
He emphasised that families and local communities must demonstrate empathy and active care by guiding victims toward legal and welfare assistance, rather than leaving them to face abuse alone out of fear of public judgment.
He added that public understanding of the safeguards provided under the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521) needs to be continually enhanced to ensure citizens are fully aware of victims' legal rights and the critical importance of intervention to break the cycle of abuse.
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