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Divorce Guide

Where to Get Help for Domestic Violence in Malaysia

Hotlines, shelters, legal aid, counselling and police help for domestic violence survivors.

Request Lawyer ContactFor people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.
2 min readUpdated 7 Oct 20261 sourceDomestic Violence Act 1994
Contents

Helplines

  • Police emergency: 999. Call if you are in immediate danger.
  • Talian Kasih: 15999. A government helpline, open 24 hours, that connects you to shelters, counselling and legal help.
  • WAO (Women’s Aid Organisation): 03-3000 8858. Crisis support, information on your legal rights and referrals to their shelter.
  • AWAM (All Women’s Action Society): 03-7877 0224. Support and someone to speak up for you.

Emergency shelter

WAO runs a shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence. Call 03-3000 8858 to arrange a place. The shelter offers a safe room, meals, counselling and help with court cases.

The Department of Social Welfare (JKM) runs Rumah Nur shelters across Malaysia. Call JKM at 03-8323 1000 or visit your nearest district welfare office. These shelters are free and give you somewhere to stay while you plan your next steps.

If you cannot afford a private lawyer, the Legal Aid Bureau (Jabatan Bantuan Guaman) gives free legal help to people who meet its income limits. Apply at any Legal Aid Bureau office with your IC and proof of income.

The Bar Council Legal Aid Centres offer free or low-cost help with protection orders, divorce and custody. Call the Bar Council at 03-2031 3003 to find the nearest centre.

Counselling

  • WAO offers one-to-one counselling.
  • AWAM runs support groups and counselling sessions.
  • Befrienders KL at 03-7627 2929 gives emotional support to anyone in distress.
  • The Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) at 03-2780 6803 can refer you to mental health professionals.
  • Many government hospitals have counselling units.

Help from the police

You can make a report at any police station. Ask for the D11 division (Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division), which handles domestic violence.

The police can arrest the abuser, help you get an interim protection order and refer you to support services.

If you do not want to go alone, bring a trusted friend or relative. WAO or AWAM can also send someone to support you. A police report is an official record that strengthens your legal position.

Looking to engage a divorce lawyer? Your safety comes first. Once you are safe, if you want to understand your options for a protection order or divorce, request independent lawyer contact via WhatsApp: Request Lawyer Contact. For general information, use our guides and tools.

Frequently asked questions

Is Talian Kasih available 24 hours?
Yes. Talian Kasih 15999 runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call for immediate help, shelter referrals and information on your legal options.
Do I need to pay for a shelter?
No. Shelters run by groups like WAO and government crisis centres are free. They give you a place to stay, food, counselling and help with legal matters.
Can men get domestic violence support?
Yes. Most shelters serve women and children, but Talian Kasih and legal aid are open to everyone. Male survivors can get counselling, legal advice and protection orders.

Related reading

How to File for Divorce When There Is Domestic Violence

Filing for divorce when there is domestic violence in Malaysia: get a protection order under the DVA 1994, then divorcing on the ground of unreasonable behaviour.

What Evidence Proves Domestic Violence in Malaysia?

What evidence proves domestic violence in a Malaysian court: medical and police reports, photos, messages and witnesses, and how to keep them safe.

Can You Divorce for Emotional or Financial Abuse in Malaysia?

Emotional or financial abuse can be grounds for divorce in Malaysia as unreasonable behaviour under Section 54(1)(b), with protection under the DVA 1994.

How Do You Safely Leave an Abusive Spouse in Malaysia?

How to safely leave an abusive spouse in Malaysia: when to go, protecting your children, police reports, protection orders, shelters and money.

How to Get a Protection Order in Malaysia

How to get a protection order (IPO or PO) in Malaysia under the Domestic Violence Act 1994: who can apply, the steps, what it covers and where to get help.

How to Plan Your Safety When Leaving an Abusive Spouse

A practical safety plan for leaving an abusive spouse in Malaysia: helplines to call, documents to gather, where to go and how to get a protection order.

Looking to Engage a Divorce Lawyer?

For people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.

Request Lawyer Contact