Kota Kinabalu: Many victims of domestic abuse suffer in silence because they lack support, according to a victim.
“Some dismiss domestic violence cases as cheap publicity and even my own experience was viewed that way.
“What happen to many is real and they remain silent because they do not receive the support they need,” said Caroline (not her real name).
The founder of a NGO who contested in the recent 17th Sabah election is now dedicating her efforts to end bullying and domestic violence.
“I learned to put the past behind me, choosing not to look back but to move forward and rebuild my life.
“What I endured has become a life lesson that shaped me into a stronger and better person, rather than leaving me bitter, she told a group of women at a sharing session.
She said such cases are often overlooked, sidelined, or forgotten over time.
She said some domestic violence cases, even after reaching the courts, are withdrawn due to various reasons.
“However, those are real cases involving women who continue to suffer.
“How can such cases be withdrawn? We want justice for all domestic violence cases.” However, she did not say whether she retracted her police reports due to threats by the perpetrator, who is a blogger.
She said it shattered her life. “Although a protection order was issued by the court, my belongings were never returned and the house that was once my sanctuary had to be abandoned.
“My business collapsed, finances and livelihood were cut off, emotions scarred and shelter lost in an instant. She described her situation as a “total loss” for a woman and mother.
In the midst of suffering, she found light through the support of other women including Datuk Nancy Ho, Lily Jeyan Marimuttu, Rosario Yong, Datin Carlota Lo, Margaret Tadam, Hana Abdullah, Datin Rani Charan and Tricia Linsiang.
They helped rekindle her spirit, showing her that every hardship carries hidden wisdom and that women are never left without God’s plan.
She rebuilt her life with her daughter and revived her business with the support of NGOs. She urged those in her situation to be brave and speak out if they face bullying or domestic violence.
“Women must know their rights so they are not manipulated, because life and dignity cannot be compromised.
Such cases are increasingly highlighted in social media, and no matter how late help arrives, it cannot bring back the lives already lost,” she said.
She also urged authorities and community leaders to take the issue seriously and act firmly.
“Women are created to be loved, respected and protected. Not to be harmed,” she stressed.
