Male victims of domestic abuse can get immediate legal protection without filing a police report, as the government ensures no gender is overlooked.
PETALING JAYA: Husbands facing domestic abuse can seek legal protection and support services, with the government assuring that male victims are not overlooked amid concerns over the number of men affected by domestic violence.
In a written parliamentary reply, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said protection under the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521) applies to all victims, regardless of gender, including husbands subjected to physical, emotional or financial abuse.
She said a total of 7,391 domestic violence cases were recorded by the police in 2025, with 104 cases involving wives as perpetrators.
Victims, including male spouses, can apply for an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) without lodging a police report. The order is processed by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) within two hours and provides immediate protection for seven days.
“During this period, victims can seek medical treatment, temporary shelter, psychosocial support and pursue further legal protection through an Interim Protection Order (IPO) or a Protection Order (PO) via the courts,” she added.
Nancy said the ministry has also implemented various awareness and intervention programmes through agencies under its purview, including JKM, the Department of Women’s Development (JPW), the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), and the National Welfare Foundation (YKN).
“Among them is JPW’s Aku Wanita@KRT advocacy programme, which aims to raise awareness of domestic violence and address the issue among survivors and the wider community.
“From January to June 2026, the Aku Wanita@KRT programme reached 1,708 participants, including 298 men, while 94 participants received support through its K-Chat psychological intervention sessions,” she said.
Nancy added that LPPKN has also introduced the Fatherhood Module: Leading Family Leadership, which focuses on strengthening men’s parenting skills, emotional management, communication and conflict resolution abilities.
“Counselling services provided by LPPKN and YKN are available to individuals and families experiencing domestic conflict, including men, through family counselling, psychosocial assessments and emotional support,” she added.
She stressed that protection against domestic violence must remain comprehensive and inclusive, adding that the ministry will continue strengthening legal frameworks, psychosocial interventions and family education programmes to ensure all victims receive the necessary assistance, regardless of gender.
