By Rachel Desiree

Who doesn’t know Oprah Winfrey?

After all those years of her exceptional style as a compassionate and dedicated host, Oprah (in picture) was called “arguably the world’s most powerful woman” by CNN and Time.com

Although widely recognized for her fame, fortune and power now, she sure did not have a smooth sailing and easy life to start off with. Oprah was sexually molested first by an older cousin when she was nine years old, and then suffered repeated molestation by others throughout her youth.

It has been fruitful to realize that no matter what hardship one has been through in life, the choice is always in our hands to pick ourselves up and achieve all that is desired. Oprah Winfrey is a true inspiration for women out there. Without a doubt, we all need more positive influences like these as it has a remarkable ability to influence and rally us to succeed.

We all expect the ones we love to look after our interests and protect us from any physical or emotional harm. Conflicts and difficult times are a normal part of every relationship. But abuse is something more. It can occur in many forms and affect people of any age and background. It is always difficult to admit and accept that the person we love and trust is sometimes the one who is actually hurting us.

Here are some examples of abuse:

1. Physical abuse is someone hurting you by pushing, shaking, slapping or punching you or doing anything else that harms your body.
2. Emotional abuse is someone hurting your feelings by making threats, speaking in a way that is frightening, putting you down or emotionally blackmailing you to do things that you don’t want to.
3. Sexual abuse is someone forcing you to do sexual things against your will, it can be anything from touching you in an inappropriate way or making you have sexual intercourse with them.

No matter what the circumstances, it is crucial for everyone to know that abuse is not normal and that it is unacceptable in any situation. You shouldn’t have to live your life in fear. Though it might be hard for you, you really must talk to someone about what happened. The abuser has committed a very serious crime and needs to be caught so he is not a danger to you or anybody else.

Report abuse to the police to put the perpetrator to justice and call your closest counseling centre, and people there will give you support, advice and counseling to help you get over the trauma you are going through. Protect yourself and seek immediate help if you are in an abusive relationship. There should be no excuse for abuse and if you are in any form of an abusive relationship, you need to put a stop to it!

The Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is an independent, non-religious, non-governmental organisation based in Malaysia, committed to confronting violence against women. WAO provides shelter to women (on occasion single pregnant mothers) who seek refuge primarily because of domestic violence. In recent years WAO also assists in cases dealing with domestic worker abuse and trafficking.

AWAM (All Women’s Action Society) is an independent feminist organisation committed to improving the lives of women in Malaysia. Telephone and face-to-face counseling sessions are provided on a range of issues, from domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment to work or school-related problems, health, relationships and family matters. AWAM also offers legal aid. Their services are free of charge, confidential, and cater to all kinds of women.

Any woman who needs assistance can either call their helpline, Telenita, or make an appointment to see one of their social workers. Passionate about their beliefs and their work, WAO and AWAM continues to play an important role in the women’s movement in Malaysia. Please do not hesitate to contact these NGO’s, if you are in any sort of crisis.

WAO can be reached at:
Women’s Aid Organisation
Pertubuhan Pertolongan Wanita
P.O. Box 493 Jalan Sultan
46760 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia.
Telephone: 03 7956 3488
Fax: 03 7956 3237
Email: wao@po.jaring.my
Website: http://www.wao.org.my/

AWAM can be reached at:
Telenita: 03 7877 0224
Mondays to Saturdays
Counseling 9am – 5:30pm (closed on public holidays)
Legal Information 10am – 4:30pm (closed on public holidays)

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