How can mobile support centres improve access to justice for abuse victims?

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Mobile Support Centres Enhance Access to Justice for Abuse Victims

Mobile Local Social Support Centres (PSSS) are proposed to significantly improve access to justice for women facing domestic violence, particularly in rural areas of Sabah. These centres act as a crucial intermediary, enabling victims to file complaints with authorities without the financial burden and logistical challenges of travelling to urban centres. The MyPSSS mobile application further streamlines this process by allowing complaints to be directly channelled to relevant agencies under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) via Talian Kasih.
Facilitating Complaint Submission

The primary function of mobile PSSS is to remove barriers to reporting abuse. For women in remote regions of Sabah, the cost and difficulty of transportation to city-based agencies can deter them from seeking help. By establishing a physical presence through mobile units, such as the PSSS buses, these centres bring support services directly to the community. This initiative, championed by the National Welfare Foundation (YKN), ensures that victims can easily connect with counsellors and initiate the complaint process without the initial hurdle of travel expenses.
Directing Victims to Appropriate Agencies

Once a complaint is lodged, mobile PSSS and its associated app, MyPSSS, play a vital role in directing victims to the correct support systems. Complaints are channelled through Talian Kasih to specific agencies within KPWKM. For instance, the Social Welfare Department is equipped to handle a range of psychosocial complaints, including those related to family issues, disabled children, and missing children. YKN itself acts as a referral point, connecting individuals with the relevant ministry or agency, and specifically directing family-related matters to the National Population and Family Development Board.
Providing a Safe and Accessible Counselling Space

The mobile PSSS units are equipped with dedicated counselling rooms designed to offer a calm and comfortable environment for victims to share their experiences. This physical space is crucial for victims who may feel vulnerable or unsafe discussing sensitive issues. The local tagline adopted for the initiative, ‘sa dengar, sa tulung bah’ (I listen, I help), underscores the empathetic approach of the counsellors. The positive reception during the Jelajah Kasih PSSS programme in Sabah, which saw over 2,000 psychosocial cases addressed, highlights the effectiveness of this accessible and welcoming model.
Addressing Diverse Social Issues Beyond Abuse

While domestic violence is a primary focus, the mobile PSSS initiative acknowledges that victims often face a multitude of interconnected social challenges. The centres are designed to address a broad spectrum of societal issues, including the cost of living, work-related problems, and broader family concerns. This holistic approach ensures that victims receive comprehensive support that addresses their immediate safety needs as well as their broader well-being, thereby strengthening their pathway to justice and recovery.

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How can mobile support centres improve access to justice for abuse victims?

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