Where to turn to for help.

After the frantic search for NGOs to help Liz, my colleague, did manage to find WAO. Women's Aide Organization. They provide a wide range of assistance to women. Their website is http://www.wao.org.my/.

OK, this is kindda a lazy post for me, coz the rest of the article is just a cut and paste from one of their pages. However, I think this information is darn important. Information herein is based on their website on the 10 August 2008. Do check for accuracy or just call the Telekom Malaysia Directory Services for assistance.

WAO SERVICES (MALAYSIA)

Refuge WAO provides a home to battered women and their children. The refuge is also a centre for WAO's activities relating to family, women and domestic violence issues.

Telephone Counseling Telephone counseling is available to deal with women's problems, crisis situations and to provide basic legal information.

Mon - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thurs - Sun: 7.00 PM - 9.00 PM

Sexual Assault Helpline
A safe and confidential space for survivors of sexual assault to get emotional support, information and advice on their options and where to get further help.
Sat, Mon & Tues: 9.00 am - 6.00 PM
Wed, Tues & Fri: 9.00 am - 10.00 PM

Face-To-Face Counseling
Qualified social workers offer counseling sessions to women who may not necessarily seek shelter but want counseling. Appointments with social workers required.

Anak Angkat Programme
The Child Sponsorship Programme for the children of WAO's ex-residents. Monthly donations are made to meet the school expenses of a needy child.

Child Care Centre
A Centre for the children of WAO's ex-residents who have decided to live independently. The children are given a home, education at local schools and a support system to meet their physical, mental and emotional needs.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) 03-7956 3488 / 03-7955 4426
WAO Sexual Assault Helpline 03-7960 3030
All Action Women's Society (AWAM) 03-78774221 / 03-7877 0224

TELEDERA 1-800-883040
Women's Crisis Centre, Penang 04-228 0342
Befrienders 03-7956 8144 / 03-7956 8145

Cancerlink Foundation 03-7957 9310
Emmaus Centre 03-7957 7136
Pink Triangle 03-4044 5455 / 03-4044 5466

Malaysian Aids Council Infoline 03-707 7007
Bukit Aman General Line 03-2262 6222
Maid Abuse Hotline 03-2020999

University Hospital 03-7956 4422
General Hospital 03-2692 1044

Remember - help is only one phone call away.

Malaysian Media - How about raising the bar

It has been a long road since Merdeka. More than 50 years, coming to 51. Malaysian media, in particular the press, has come a long long way. But much is desired. My pet peeve is the lack of responsibility by the press. No, not to do with politics, but in humanity in general.

Suicides are the reality of our mortal world. But I hate the way it is reported. Firstly, why on earth would they report the method of suicide. In Australia, there are strict guidelines that methods of suicide shall not be reported. This is to prevent copycats. Or unintentionally giving the depressed bad ideas and causing self harm. Restrain would also assist the family of the victims - let's not put them under the spot light. It is obviously a time of crisis.

Frankly - why the eff is it important to report how someone killed themselves? Why would the public want to know? Isn't that just a cheap way to sell the papers? Come on guys. You can do better. I rather they put a naked girl on page three and to glorify someone's tragic end. While naked girls are a big taboo, reporting death in a careless manner is accepted by all.

In addition, all reports about suicide is usually followed by a paragraph - telling the general public that if they need help, they can call the Befrienders. Phone numbers would be included. The worse I've come across is, an article by The Star.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/9/17/nation/15459534&sec=nation

This is an article about a lifeline to teens in trouble. Guess what? The Star did NOT even bother to publish the contact details of the organizations it writes about. A long article about WAO - Women's Aide Organization. But too bad - it doesn't tell the readers who to call. What the eff. What kind of value add is that article? Wonder who the heck can I raise a ruckus and kindda force them to adopt more stringent guidelines.

And yes, if you need someone to talk to, do contact the Befrienders. Their website is http://www.befrienders.org.my/

The image on the left is taken from their website. Sure hope it helps. Hey. There is help. There are people willing to help. It is just a phone call away.