What should the victim do?

According to WAO, if a wife thinks that her husband may repeat his violent behavior, the wife can take the following action to safeguard herself:

(1) Protect herself from unnecessary physical injury

Place herself in a safe place. Do not be in a room where there are items which can be used by her husband to inflict injuries on her. Also to make sure that she can escape (e.g. through a door or window.)

(2) Telephone numbers

Commit to memory important phone numbers, eg. the phone number for the nearest police station. Tell the police that her husband attacked her, provided them with her name and address. If she is not able to use a phone make sure that her neighbour is able to help in the event of violence. Shout and scream to get attention so that her neighbour will be able to call the police. If possible find out where the nearest public phone booth is located and make sure that it is working in case she needs to use it.

(3) The purse

Ensure that her purse in an accessible place. Make sure all the necessary documents are inside, like ATM and credit cards, cash, driving license and keys, phone cards and coins which she may need to make calls.

(4) Emergency bag

This is a bag which contains all the items she requires when she is out of the house. She should keep it in her parents’ or neighbour’s or friend’s house. The bag should contain the following:

(i) Clothing for herself and her children.
(ii) Phone numbers of police, women group hotlines, friends, shelter homes and her address book.
(iii) Important documents and letters, such as identity cards, passports, birth certificates, car registration book, school and medical records, sale and purchase agreements, title deeds and insurance policies.
(iv) marriage certificate, letter of custody for children, photographs or proof of injuries suffered by her.(e.g. threatening letters, torn clothing)
(v) Cheque books, bank account books, bank account numbers, keys to safe deposit in banks.
(vi) medicine, health insurance cards.
(vii) school books, toys for children.

Do not worry if she is not able to obtain some of the documents mentioned above. She can apply to have a copy later. She should contact a women organization to seek assistance and advice on this.

If she decides to leave, she should take her children with her to help her in her application for their custody later. If she is worried that her husband may find out, make a police report and contact the Women Aid’s Organization for help. She can apply for an interim protection order from the Court.

If she isa Muslim she should contact the Jabatan Agama Islam besides making a police report. Tell them that she has had to leave the house because of a physically violent attack or torture from her husband. This is to prevent her husband from accusing her of nusyuz (against or resisting order of the husband)