Escape: A Tip-Off on Domestic Violence and Healthy Relationship

Many young adults start a relationship without being aware of what it takes for a successful marriage because of limited premarital education and guidance available. Some are unfortunate to have an abusive partner that leads to domestic violence and yet they thought it is a normal thing because it is common in our community. There are a lot of misconceptions including wrong religious belief among society that normalise the aggression in a household, for example considering an abuse as a part of being an obedient wife and keeping the
aggression a secret as a part of saving the family's face. Domestic violence is a part of social ailments in the society which leads to many chronic diseases/illnesses like major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes
and hyperlipidaemia; as well as sexual transmitted diseases like HIV. It also can cause permanent disabilities like traumatic brain injury or physical handicap as well as mortality by suicide or homicide. The effects are not limited to the victims alone but extend to their children and can be passed down to the next generation (epigenetics) through learnt behaviour as well as genetic changes that occur as a result of trauma.

Even though Domestic Violence Act 1994 with amendment in 2017 is enacted to manage and prevent domestic violence, the enforcement and awareness among society are still lacking. Apart from Social Welfare Officer and Police Officers who are involved in the enforcement, we also need a good social support from the community to protect the victims or prevent domestic violence. The victims
also need to be educated and empowered in managing the violence they face. Therefore, this book is written to provide a source for health education to the public as well as junior personnel involving in domestic violence including medical officers. The first section will help the readers to identify and understand what is domestic violence as it is illustrated with real scenarios. It also describes the relationships that are involved in domestic violence. By knowing it , then only a person can act on it. Second section will further give guidance on decision
making, whether to stay or leave followed by what they need to do to leave the relationship. It enlist protection and social support services available to ensure their safety while they are leaving. Third section will further guide the victim on how to move forward and starting new life after separation.