Case studies on intimate partner violence: Recollection of stories from the abused women in Malaysia

The case reviews of abused women involved in this research aims to provide an illustration of the Malaysian women’s experiences of living in abusive relationships. Three case studies were drawn from the qualitative interviews conducted in the study. In particular, the following case examples discuss the issues pertinent to the impacts of intimate partner violence, barriers to seeking help as well as the supportive networks needed in dealing with the problem. In summary, the women interviewees in this study reported that they were physically, sexually, socially, emotionally as well as psychologically being abused by their husbands (or ex-husband). These women reported that the traumatic experiences of intimate partner violence episodes in the past had made them to be more cautious in leading their lives, with or without male partner. It is also noted in these case studies that leaving the abusive relationship was difficult because many issues were involved regarding the effectiveness of the formal supportive networks for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence in Malaysia. In this article, several issues around challenges in getting the support needed, were narrated by the women themselves so as to redress the situation, which include time consuming procedures and bureaucratic impediments, with the aim of encouraging more disclosure of partner violence and facilitate help-seeking options further. Their real encounter experiences are hoped to introduce significant improvements in enhancing and empowering the resources for Malaysian women from potentially being abused in the future and make violence disclosure process easier for abused women.