Does domestic violence in Malaysia is increasing during the pandemic? Factors and policy-related

Abstract

During Covid-19, Malaysia has announced the Movement Control Order (MCO) in which was started on March 18, 2020, to curb the spread of coronavirus amongst Malaysian. This tested people's emotions, feelings, and the way they act. It also has tested their patient, resilience, and their ability to be kind and caring. Thus the study focus on the factors contributing to domestic violence in Malaysia. The objective of this paper is to examine the level of awareness on domestic violence during the MCO and suggest ways to prevent or reduce domestic violence in Malaysia via Government policies and interventions as well as enforcement measures related to acts and laws. The study used a hybrid method of a random online survey as well as Malaysia's policy review to gauge factors that lead to Domestic Violence in Malaysia during the Covid -19 pandemic. The results indicated that Stability in economic status, educational level, and upbringing in an urban area enable to curb domestic violence from occurring despite facing challenging situations dealing with pandemic Covid -19. As domestic violence deemed to be taboo to be discussed in Malaysian community due to its culture, the study concludes that citizen in big cities is well aware on the avenue and laws that designed by the relevant authority to protect people. Citizens are also aware that the pandemic triggered more incidents to happened and they have the knowledge on support systems available in the country. This is essential so that appropriate recommendations on the next course of action be proposed to the stakeholders on how to achieve zero domestic violence in Malaysia.