| Hakim Hayat |
MANY victims of domestic violence choose to remain silent for fear of reprisal and other factors including emotional and situational reasons, posing threats that may endanger the lives of the victims and their family members in the long run, a Syariah legal counsellor highlighted yesterday.
This trend is so worrying that victims may be subjected to long years of abuse, and this issue is increasing during times of economic uncertainties, said Mohammad Shahray bin Zulkifli, a Syariah legal counsellor from law firm, Yusof Halim & Partners, during the first of a series of legal talk entitled ‘Domestic Violence Based on Islamic Family Laws in Brunei’ hosted by Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) yesterday.
Shahray cited statistics that showed increasing figures of domestic violence cases filed in the country over the last few years, though he believes these figures do not paint the real picture as many cases are left unreported.
He warned that if a victim allows himself to be continuously abused, adverse physical and mental effects to the victim and their families – such as permanent disabilities, depression and even death – could be possible.
Several provisions in the Syariah Law in Brunei Darussalam and also the Civil Penal Code cover the protection for victims and punishment of perpetrators, he said.
Mohammad Shahray bin Zulkifli delivering the talk.
Section of the attendees. – PHOTOS: HAKIM HAYAT
For instance, the Syariah Law covers spousal and family protection from physical as well as mental and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, social abuse, abuse in the aspect of property and finance, abuse in the aspect of religion and abuse in the aspect of polygamy.
Over 100 invited guests, including public members, attended the talk, which is part of MKM’s core initiatives in raising awareness and helping vulnerable families access legal counsel and advice in partnership with law firms in the country.
MKM was established to help complement and supplement efforts on social welfare programmes, initiatives and activities made by the Brunei Government.
? The council’s primary objectives are to address social issues in the country and help coordinate the efforts of various non-government organisations (NGOs) committed to improving the welfare of vulnerable groups in the country.
These objectives will be achieved through training, guidance, awareness campaigns and research.
The post Provisions in place to protect victims of domestic abuse appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.