A local construction worker was arrested on Thursday for domestic violence, Judiciary Police (PJ) spokesman Chao Teng Hin said during a special press conference on Friday.
Chao identified the suspect as a 35-year-old man surnamed Chang who married the victim in 2021. The couple have a young son. The family live in the peninsula’s northern district.
Chao said that the victim told police that Chang, at around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, was dissatisfied with home arrangements, demanding that she return home at once. Upon her arrival, Chang suddenly grabbed her by the neck and dragged her into a room. During the struggle, the victim sustained injuries to both knees and arms. Subsequently, Chang threatened the victim with a cleaver, forced her to eat the food given to her, and demanded to check her smartphone. When Chang’s temper slightly subsided, she seized the opportunity to escape their home and temporarily sought refuge with relatives. After careful consideration, she reported the incident to the Judiciary Police on Thursday morning, Chao said.
At 4 p.m. on Thursday, according to Chao, PJ officers intercepted Chang at the family home and seized the cleaver with a blade length of 17.5 centimetre as evidence in the case. A forensic examination confirmed that the victim’s injuries were consistent with ordinary assault causing bodily harm, Chao said.
Questioned by police, the victim said domestic violence triggered by trivial matters occurred frequently after marrying Chang, to the extent that she could no longer recall the exact number of incidents. At the time of the offences, only the suspect and the victim were at home, with their young son elsewhere. In the past, the victim endured the abuse out of fear and a desire to protect the family. Following this latest incident, she fled to a relative’s home for temporary shelter, Chao said.
Chang was transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) on Friday, facing charges of domestic violence, use of a prohibited weapon, and severe coercion.
Judiciary (PJ) officers escort the hooded domestic violence suspect surnamed Chang to a PJ van outside the PJ headquarters in Zape on Friday.
A cleaver seized from Chang’s home is displayed during Friday’s special press conference at the Judiciary Police (PJ) headquarters in Zape. – Photos: Armindo Neves
