PUTRAJAYA: Victims of domestic violence have been advised to go the hospital and get a medical report on their condition immediately, if they encounter police personnel who refuse to accept their reports on the grounds that it is "a family matter".

       "The (medical) report from the hospital can then be used so police cannot refuse to accept their report," said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun (pic) said.

       The Social Welfare Department would, in the meantime, issue an Emergency Protection Order to separate the couple if there was abuse, she told reporters after launching a book titled Wanita Bangkit here on Monday (March 28).

       She had been asked to comment on the grievances of a group of domestic violence victims who claimed that police personnel refused to accept their reports as they were family matters.

       Rina said her ministry would also bring up the matter during engagement sessions with the Home Ministry.

       "We know that there is a Sexual, Women and Children's Investigations Division (D11) unit that is under the Home Ministry. We will include this in future discussions,” she said.

       On Wanita Bangkit, Rina said the book contained 34 true stories based on the experiences of clients of agencies under her ministry with a common narrative aimed at reigniting the spirit and motivation of women who have gone through trying times.

       Published with the cooperation of the ministry, the Social Institute of Malaysia and Akademi Bonda Nor, the book is available in select bookshops at a promotional price of RM35. – Bernama