Why do police and NGO domestic violence statistics differ?

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Discrepancies in Domestic Violence Statistics Explained by Reporting Methodologies

Federal police statistics indicate a 20 per cent decrease in overall domestic violence cases during the movement control order (MCO), a figure that contrasts with claims by women's non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of a rise in such incidents. This divergence is primarily attributed to the distinct criteria used by the police and NGOs in classifying and recording cases, particularly concerning the nature of calls received.
Police Statistics Focus on Criminal Investigations

The Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) of the federal police bases its statistics on reports that lead to the formal opening of an investigation paper. ACP Siti Kamsiah Hassan clarified that their figures, which showed 205 domestic abuse cases during the MCO period compared to 261 in the three months prior, exclude calls made solely for information, divorce proceedings, or requests for counseling and advice. These types of inquiries are not classified as criminal offenses and therefore are not included in official police crime statistics.
NGO and Other Body Statistics Encompass Broader Inquiries

In contrast, statistics compiled by other bodies and NGOs often incorporate a wider range of interactions, including general inquiry calls. Siti Kamsiah explained that not all calls received by these organisations necessarily pertain to incidents of physical abuse. The inclusion of these broader categories of reports, such as those seeking information or guidance on divorce, contributes to higher reported numbers compared to the police's narrower focus on actionable criminal investigations.
Divorce Cases Have Diverse Underlying Reasons

It is important to note that divorce cases, which may be included in some NGO statistics, can arise from a multitude of reasons beyond domestic abuse. Therefore, correlating an increase in divorce inquiries directly with an increase in domestic violence incidents may not always be accurate, as stipulated by the police's statistical methodology.
Awareness and Reporting Channels Influence Perceptions

Siti Kamsiah also suggested that increased public awareness and more accessible reporting channels may lead to more people coming forward with their experiences. This heightened awareness, facilitated by technology and ongoing engagement efforts, could contribute to the perception of an increase in cases, even if the underlying rate of violence has not necessarily risen. The police's approach, focused on formal criminal reports, thus presents a different statistical picture than the more inclusive data collection methods employed by NGOs.

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Why do police and NGO domestic violence statistics differ?

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