How are the effects of Domestic Violence treated?

Psychological treatment for victims and perpetrators can be helpful in the aftermath of domestic violence. For battered women, Hatterndorf and Tollerud (1997) recommend a therapy approach in which traditional gender roles are challenged and empowerment of the victim is a primary focus. Individual therapy for victims of domestic violence should begin with a primary focus on safety, particularly if the victim is an currently in abusive relationship. The therapist should assess the current level of dangerousness and lethality in the relationship based on the following factors concerning the batterer : threats of homicide or suicide, possession of weapons, acute depression, alcohol / drug use, history of pet abuse and level of rage (Harwey and Hansen, 1994). The presence of these factors increases the level of potential lethality in the batterer.

In additon to assessing lethality, therapist and victim advocates should develop a safety plan with the victim. A safety plan may contain a strategy for how to leave a dangerous situation ; the preparation of a safety kit- clothing, medications, keys, money, copies of important documents to be kept either near an exit route or with a trusted friend ; and arrangements for shelter unknown to the batterer. (Harway and Hansen, 1994)

Health Consequences of Violence against Woman

There are two type of of health consequences to woman, first is Non-fatal outcomes and fatal outcomes. In Non-fatal outcomes, it has physical health outcomes such as injury including lacerations to fractures and internal organ injury,unwanted pregnancy, STDs including HIV/AIDS, miscarriage, pelvic inflammatory disease, headaches, permanent disabilities, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome and self-injuries behaviours like smoking and unprotected sex. Its also has mental health outcomes such as depression,fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, eating problem, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post traumatic disorder. In fatal outcomes, there is some consequences such as suicide, homicide, maternal mortality and also HIV/AIDS.

Can Woman leave her husband if he is cruel to her?

Woman can leave their husband and seek for help, if the woman feel fears for their life, the safety of themselve and the children or they is no longer able to stand the cruel acts of their husband. It is better, for they to go first to the Syariah Courts to inform the Court about the problem and why she is leaving. Even if their husband agree and know about the leaving, its still better to inform the Court first, just in case their husband later denies they consent.

Objective against Domestic Violence

1) The objective against domestic violence is to provide protection to victims of domestic violence.

2) To provide support to the victims of domestic violence so that they can continue their lives with better.

3) To provide a support group to help the victims and provide shelter and also facilities to they victims of domestic violence to assist this group.

4) Moreover, to encourage the victims of domestic violence to participate in all programs that conducted by certain parties to escape from their problem and bad experience.

what did the ministry do about to solve the problem of domestic violence in Malaysia.

First, the ministry has made campaigns or seminars. Example of campaigns "say no" to domestic violence, at the may 30, 2009. The objective seminars or campaigns "say no" , including:
i) Promote awareness of women empowerment to highlight the identity of mind and dignity of
women.
ii) Provide accurate information and understanding about issues of violence.
iii)Provide exposure and understanding of laws to protect women.

Second, the ministry has amended the domestic violence Act 1994,the purpose of the this act is:
i) To guarantee the women right side of the law preserved.
ii)Increase public awareness to help curb the problem of women.

Third, the ministry has established several organization, including:
i)Women Organization NGO. The objective, prevent any violence against women
ii)Yayazan Azam Wanita (YAZNITA), incorpated on April 24,1994. The objective, show the
images of women.
iii)Women Aid Organization (WAO). The objective, prevent any violence against women.
iv)YayasanWanita. The objective, bring women to the potential development.

As conclusion, the ministry has to make or find solution to help victims of violence. However, if the solution has been made by the ministry is not used by the victim,futile effort ministry.

How You Can Help Victims of Domestic Violence?

As a friend, to indicate that he is no a woman becomes the victim thrashing
often feel that no one show up for their problems. Be frank with him, state your suspicions and encourage them to express the problem.
Be the "phone a friend". Women are often isolated and not allowed out.
Read and distribute pamphlets and information to them. Discuss this with others. You can help with more if you have any knowledge about this problem.
Talk to women about the options that can be taken and help them create a plan that can be used if there is an emergency.
Show your support and trust regardless of any decision.
Give him and his children rest in the afternoon or evening time when tensions.
Provide transportation to the center for their protection or safe houses.
Help protect children when he met with a lawyer or attend the trial, find homes, jobs and others.
Accompany them to hearings in court and take notes and show your support.
Help him find the house.
Help him move goods either from home or from a shelter to its new home.
Call the police immediately if you hear the neighbors beaten.

What is Domestic Violence Victims Can Do?

Emergency Plan

Create action plan of what you will do and where you will go if you are in danger. Tell your children about your plans if they are mature enough to understand.
Bring along your children if you can do so. If you had to leave them temporarily, make sure they can be with you as soon as possible. Consult a lawyer about custody immediately.
Any type of vehicle you use, make sure they have enough petrol.
Save a set of keys and emergency numbers where you safe.
Always make sure that you have to save money to help you escape.
Bring identification cards, letters and important medicines needed for you and your children.
Keep a list of important numbers you can call and your money in a hidden place.
Use words that you can talk coded in the phone with someone you can trust when you are in danger.