Setting it apart from other cases of violence, victims of domestic abuse can face the predicament of homelessness. The Lai Yuen Centre of the Women’s General Association of Macau offers temporary shelters for these victims and helps them overcome adversity. Ho Fun Ngan, Director of the Lai Yuen Centre and Mandy Mak, a psychological counselor, sat down with Macau CSR to discuss domestic violence in Macau and the measures promoted by the Centre.

Macau CSR: What is the prevalence of domestic violence in Macau now and how does that compare to the pandemic period?

Ho Fun Ngan: According to the data released by the Central Registration System for Domestic Violence Cases, the number of suspected cases is now on a downward trend, while the number of cases received by the Lai Yuen Centre hotline and the number of victims staying with us are also decreasing. The main reason may be that the public’s awareness of domestic violence prevention is gradually increasing, and government departments and various civil service organizations can provide appropriate support to families or individuals suffering from domestic violence. Looking at the data from the Central Registration System, it is believed that the current situation of domestic abuse in Macau is similar to that during the Covid-19 pandemic period.

Macau CSR: What warning signs people should look out for that a domestic violence situation might be about to occur?

Mandy Mak: The warning signs of domestic violence are not necessarily physical abuse. Mental abuse also exists, for example. Also financial control, verbal abuse, and control of social life. Whenever a woman feels she is suffering in a relationship, she needs to start paying attention and look for a solution.

Macau CSR: What type of support and services does Lai Yuen offer to those who seek your help?

Mandy Mak: We will provide short- and long-term shelters for those seeking help, as well as life guidance, psychological support and various social resources to help victims escape from the impact of domestic abuse. According to the actual situation, some victims can recover from the predicament in a few months, while some take years. Women are often caught in the cycle of domestic violence. We should make them aware of and clarify relevant problems, and help them to strengthen their thinking and safety awareness in this regard.

Macau CSR: What’s your view of the Law no 2/2016 Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence? Is the current legal system effective to combat domestic violence?

Ho Fun Ngan: The provisions of the Law on Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence play a certain role. In the past, it lacked substantial legal protection for victims of domestic violence. Even though the establishment of the law took a long time, after enforcement of the law, victims can file a lawsuit for domestic violence, and obtain corresponding rights, protection and follow-up in laws and regulations. The government and society have also established cooperation mechanisms to support these victims, which has strengthened the confidence of victims in the face of domestic violence.

Macau CSR: What part can the community play to address domestic violence?

Ho Fun Ngan: We have been promoting a zero tolerance approach to violence. Tackling the problem of domestic violence involves more than just sentencing, many follow-up matters should be considered. Since domestic violence has a profound impact on the family, victims may face financial difficulties such as providing housing and child care in addition to suffering from physical and mental trauma and having their children witnessing domestic violence. And in domestic violence cases,  victims are not necessarily women; there are also male victims. Community publicity plays an important role. We should let everyone know the impact of domestic violence.