Bruises and scars on spouses are probably the first thing most people associate with the term "domestic violence", but a new campaign aims to show how children can be affected as well.

The online video campaign by the All Women's Action Society (Awam) wants the public to understand that domestic violence among spouses can result in drastic emotional trauma for their children.

awam domestic violence video 1The five-minute video features a daughter of a bickering couple who ends up in an a road accident as she was running away from a heated verbal exchange between her parents.

At the launch of the video in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Awam spokesperson Lee Wei San said that the video aims to educate the masses about the effects of domestic violence.

She said that currently, there have been four reported deaths as a result from a scenario similar to what was depicted in the video.

"This video is to empower women and tell them that they have a voice and they are not alone," said video director Gregory Cheong.

'More than a family issue'

Meanwhile, Awam senior programme manager Betty Yong said there had been 3,488 reported cases of domestic violence last year alone, while Awam has been receiving an average of 20 reports monthly this year.

"It is not only a family issue, (domestic violence) has become a social issue that needs to be addressed," said Carol Lee, the representative of KL Sogo, one of the video's sponsors.

NONELee, who is also Mrs Universe 2013, stressed that it is common for women to lodge police reports only to retract the report later, especially those who are dependent upon their spouses.

Thus, Awam is making efforts to sensitise service providers, such as the police, to ensure that they are adequately prepared to deal with such situations.

Lee added, however, that it is good that more cases are being reported as it shows more women are becoming aware of remedies to their problems.

At present, Awam also provides counselling and legal advice to victims.