In conjunction with International Women’s Day 2025, it is important to reflect on Malaysia’s response to gender-based violence (GBV), and the urgent need for a stronger, survivor-centred approach.
At the heart of this conversation is Portraits: Journeys of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Survivors across Malaysia’s One-Stop Crisis Centres (OSCCs), a report published by UNFPA and UNU-IIGH.
This study examines Malaysia’s GBV response through the experiences of survivors who have navigated the system. It highlights the challenges they face when seeking help and how services can be improved.
The OSCC model, which provides medical care, legal support, and counseling within public hospitals, has played a crucial role in assisting survivors. However, the system is not without its flaws, and there is still much work to be done.
GBV is not just a legal or social issue but a major public health crisis with long-term consequences. Survivors often experience chronic health conditions, psychological trauma, and economic hardships.
The stress and physical injuries associated with GBV can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and even chronic diseases like hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. Taking a public health approach means prioritising prevention, early intervention, and survivor-centred care to break the cycle of violence.
Malaysia has made significant progress in tackling GBV. The establishment of OSCCs in 1994 was a significant step, offering integrated support for survivors in hospital emergency departments.
Legislative reforms, including the Domestic Violence Act 1994, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, and the Anti-Stalking Law, have strengthened legal protections.
Public awareness campaigns have helped shed light on the issue. However, legal reforms alone are not enough. Survivors still face barriers in accessing support, and marginalised communities remain especially vulnerable.
Certain populations, including refugees, stateless individuals, migrant workers, and gender non-conforming persons, are at even greater risk.
Many fear seeking help due to threats of arrest, deportation, or discrimination. Without legal protections, they are more susceptible to violence, exploitation, and abuse.
Within health care settings, stigma and discrimination further alienate them, leading to delays in treatment and increased mental health risks. Services must be accessible to all survivors, regardless of their background, legal status, or identity.
Health care providers play a critical role in identifying and managing GBV, yet many survivors do not disclose their experiences due to fear of judgment or confidentiality breaches. Medical professionals need proper training in trauma-informed care to recognise signs of abuse, conduct sensitive screenings, and provide appropriate referrals.
The health care system must also prioritise mental health support by ensuring access to counseling, psychiatric care, and peer support. Services should be inclusive, confidential, and free from discrimination to encourage survivors to come forward.
However, even with stronger legal protections, the justice system remains a challenge for many survivors. Police inaction, victim-blaming, and prolonged legal proceedings discourage people from reporting cases.
Specialising courts to handle GBV cases could help speed up trials, reduce retraumatisation, and improve outcomes for survivors. Law enforcement officers also need comprehensive training to handle these cases with sensitivity, ensuring survivors are treated with dignity and respect.
Preventing GBV requires a shift in societal attitudes. Harmful gender stereotypes must be challenged, and gender equality needs to be actively promoted.
Education plays a key role in this effort. Schools should provide comprehensive education on consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. Beyond classrooms, community engagement is crucial.
Religious leaders, community elders, and youth organisations can all help drive cultural change. Digital and media campaigns must continue to challenge misconceptions, raise awareness, and empower people to take action against GBV.
Reliable data is another crucial element in addressing GBV effectively. Malaysia currently lacks a centralised system to track GBV cases, making it difficult to assess trends or measure the impact of policies.
A national database would help policymakers allocate resources efficiently and develop targeted interventions for at-risk communities. Research must also include the lived experiences of marginalised groups to ensure that policies are inclusive and responsive to the realities survivors face.
It takes a multi-sectoral response, looking beyond the public health system for support, the justice system, social welfare system and community-based support to ensure recovery and protection of GBV survivors.
Malaysia has made progress, but much more needs to be done.
A survivor-centred approach rooted in public health, law enforcement reform, and accessible support services is essential to creating a safer society. This requires a collective effort from government agencies, health care professionals, civil society, and the public.
Survivors deserve more than just legal protections. They need a health care system that prioritises their recovery, a justice system that delivers fair outcomes, and a society that rejects violence in all its forms.
With sustained commitment, Malaysia has the potential to lead the region in GBV prevention and response.
The time for action is now.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
