Domestic Violence: Awareness and Level of Knowledge among University Students

Abstract

Domestic violence is not an isolated problem in Malaysia. The increase of domestic violence cases requires community members to be equally concerned about this problem. Thus, a quantitative study has been conducted to identify the level of awareness and knowledge of students including the provision of policies, rights, and services provided to victims. The questionnaire was utilized as a method of data collection among 132 students from Social Work Management Programs, Universiti Utara Malaysia. Students’ level of awareness and knowledge was measured and analyzed descriptively. Findings indicate students' level of awareness was at a moderate level while their level of knowledge regarding policies, rights, and services was at a low level. A small number of respondents were found to still have gender-stereotypical attitudes towards victims and predators in domestic violence cases. Thus, ongoing awareness and practical training programs through a systematic pattern of education are needed to help students increase their level of awareness and knowledge regarding domestic violence.