She said women should always be sensitive to changes in their husbands’ attitudes and not just keep quiet all the time.

“When you are married, if there are changes in your husband, (if there is domestic violence) you need to get guidance and counselling. Don’t be afraid or ashamed,” she said.

“This is what we are trying to discard, the stigma, the shame and reluctance (to report) as we have prepared various platforms (to assist these women). It will be a waste if they cannot be fully utilised,” she said when asked to comment on the incidences of domestic violence which had led to the loss of lives of late.

Rina added that recent cases of domestic violence could have been caused by several factors, among them being husbands facing emotional pressure or financial problems due to losing their jobs following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rina said two studies on personal well-being throughout the implementation of the movement control order had led to a family intervention programme known as Jelajah Peduli Keluarga (Caring Family Tour).

She said the programme was aimed at reaching out to vulnerable family members so as to provide support services and to help families face current and future challenges.

One study had shown that 43.9% of respondents admitted to facing financial woes and 32.2% to having family conflicts, especially those living in flats. Another study showed that 30% of household respondents found it difficult to access health services.