Patriarchy, The State and its Effect on the Implementation of the Domestic Violence Act in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia

Sammanfattning: This paper explores the pressing issue of domestic violence in Malaysia, specifically the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act that was enacted in 1994. Due to strong patriarchal structures that are still prominent in societies, the issue of domestic violence is not seen as a public problem, but as a private issue that should be resolved between partners. This ideology has trickled down to the way authorities like the Police, Social Welfare and Hospitals respond to survivors of domestic violence. Using a Critical Discourse Analysis approach, the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) and its amendments, interviews with non-governmental organisations and survivors of domestic violence were analysed to investigate the effect of patriarchal structures and its influence on how the Act is implemented. A cohesive mix of theories were used during the analysis, namely using a feminist and intersectional approach, masculinities and the study of patriarchy and the theocratization of the State and religion. This paper has identified three patterns that have influenced the way the DVA is implemented – Patriarchal Structures, Power and Control of Authorities and The Relationship between the State, Religion and Patriarchy. Through these themes, the extent of which patriarchal structures has played in influencing the implementation of the DVA is prominent. With the theories employed, research conducted and analysis, the questions that this paper has posed has been explored in detail and addressed.