M'SIA REVIEWING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT 1994

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is currently reviewing its
Domestic Violence Act 1994 with the aim of expanding the scope of domestic
violence definition and extending the duration of interim protection.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen
told a gender equality conference in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday that
amendments to the Act would be made so that the definition of domestic violence
would be expanded, apart from physical forms, to include emotional, mental and
psychological forms and the usage of drugs and intoxicating substances without
the consent of victims.

According to a press statement released by the ministry here Wednesday, Ng
said the amendments would also seek to extend the duration of interim protection
orders from the time investigations were completed until the time the case was
brought to court.

A new provision that would allow victims the right to compensation would
also be added, she said.

Ng is in Geneva attending the four-day Conference for Chairpersons and
Members of Parliamentary Bodies Dealing with Gender Equality. The conference
ends on Friday.

The conference aims to seek concrete ways in which parliaments can respond
effectively to curb violence against women (VAW).

-- BERNAMA