It is defined as physical, sexual, or emotional harm inflicted by one party upon another in one unit of family. Violence against women and girls is the most common form of domestic violence and is major health and human rights issue. At least one in five women in the world has been sexually abused by a man or men in their lifetime.
Domestic violence has indirect effects on the society. It represents a drain on economic productive work force and generates a climate of fear and insecurity. Malaysia has enacted the Domestic violence Act in1994 to curb this problem. The objective of the Act is to provide legal protection in situations of domestic violence.
Domestic violence means commission of any the following act:
1. Placing a victim in fear or physical injury.
2. Causing physical injury.
3. Force to engage in any act, sexual, or otherwise.
4. Detain against the victims will.
5. Destruction to property, causing distress to victim.
