A signature drive is underway to petition the government to amend the Domestic Violence Act 1994, so that offences can be prosecuted under a new and specific section of the Penal Code with corresponding criminal procedures.

This is among five areas of legal and policy reform being advocated by the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), which launched its signature campaign this morning as part of its "Stop violence against women" initiative.

Law reform officer Wathshlah Naidu said a domestic violence offence should be viewed as a separate crime rather than be prosecuted as one of "causing grievous hurt" since such incidents tend to be repeated over long periods of time.

Youth and Sports Minister Hishammuddin Hussein launched the campaign, adding his signature to an enlarged mock-up of the petition form.

All signatures gathered will be forwarded to the Home Ministry, the National Unity and Social Development Ministry, the Women and Family Development Ministry and to de facto Law Minister Dr Rais Yatim.

Areas for reform

WAO president Meera Samanther ( pic ) noted that domestic violence adversely affects children who grow up in an environment of abuse.

"Some imitate their father by showing dominance, some inflict pain on their peers or their siblings, some show attention-seeking traits, and a few withdraw," she said.

The WAO is seeking reform to broaden the definition of domestic violence to cover psychological, mental and emotional abuse.

It says the safety of survivors should be prioritised through a standardised Interim Protection Order (IPO) which should be issued quickly to provide protection within 24 hours. The IPO should spell out prohibitive acts of violence.

A case study featured in the WAO's campaign leaflet identifies a main problem as being the refusal of police officers in one state to accept IPOs issued by authorities in another state.

Furthermore, police have shown reluctance to act on threats of violence by perpetrators and respond only if the complainant sustains clear signs of physical injury.

The WAO also wants the authorities to increase the budget allocation and human resources to address problems, and to conduct gender-sensitivity training for the police, welfare officers and the courts.

Men's participation

Since men are the main perpetrators of domestic violence, Meera said fundamental behavioural change must be brought about to eradicate the problem.

"If men's behaviour, or their need to control, is the root cause of domestic violence, it is time for a global and national call for men to get involved," she said.

"We believe that violent behaviour that is learnt can be unlearned. It is time to promote men's positive behaviour."

Hishammuddin ( pic ) pointed out that the move to stop violence against women should cut across race, religion and political affiliation.

He said, though, that non-governmental organisations would have to be the main players in pushing for law and policy reform, while project funds would have to come from the relevant ministries.

"There is no special allocation in the Youth and Sports Ministry but if proposals submitted by interest groups are workable, [the ministry] will fight for the project," he said.

The minister said although the Federal Constitution now provides for gender equality, not enough has been done to promote the principle.

Asked about the likelihood that members of the legislature, particularly male MPs, would support the WAO initiative, Hishammuddin conceded that a change in mindset would be required among some ministers.

"It is very easy for ministers to say (they support a cause) or to sign a petition. However, this requires sincerity. They will have to find (the reasons to support causes) based on their personal experiences," he added.