JAG-VAW
Preamble on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQs: Domestic Violence
FAQs: Rape
FAQs: "Terrorism"

When JAG-VAW took on the issue of Violence Against Women, it was in response to the number of violence against women cases that were reported in the media. The women activists then believed that the issues could potentially unify women across class, geographic location, culture and religion.

On 23-24 March 1985, a workshop-cum-exhibition against violence against women was organised to commemorate International Women's Day. This event witnessed the attendance of more than 1,000 women, men and youth. Four main issues were highlighted: physical violence (rape, domestic violence and sexual harassment); portrayal of women in the media; prostitution; and the law.

Since 1985, the JAG-VAW became more focussed and concerted in its efforts to champion key issues on violence against women. These are: rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, Islamic Family Laws and other laws that discriminate against women.

JAG-VAW lobbied the Government for a legislation against domestic violence. This came to fruition, when the Domestic Violence Act was passed in Parliament in 1994. However, it took further lobbying by JAG-VAW to implement the law. Finally, in 1996, the Domestic Violence Act was implemented.

Since then, JAG has been working to end discrimination against women. In 2006, the coalition of 6 women's groups changed its name to the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG).

Since the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Amendment to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code came together, JAG presented them with 3 memorandums. The first was in September 2003, followed by one in October 2004 and one in August 2005. These memorandums addressed shortcomings in the laws regarding rape and domestic violence, and proposed changes for these laws.

These FAQs aim to address some of the questions that are raised about these laws and its necessity. Further information on the memorandums and the laws can be accessed at www.wccpenang.org or www.awam.org.my.

FAQs: Domestic Violence
FAQs: Rape
FAQs: "Terrorism"

Related Resources (in PDF format):

• Memorandum to the Special Select Committee on Penal Code (Amendment) 2004 and Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) 2004
• Memorandum to the Special Select Committee on the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code 2005