On average, eight women are raped per day in Malaysia.
Further adding to this statistic is the fact that this number is only the
reported number of cases. However, awareness can always be raised and AWAM, in
conjunction with Citizens Against Rape, is working towards creating a higher
awareness of the issue of rape in the country. On August 23rd, a walk from Sogo
to Merdeka Square will be carried out. This initiative is open to all, and aims
to raise public awareness and support for an end to rape, as well as to demand
for state accountability to effectively address sexual violence.
In Malaysia, it is reported and estimated that only two
out of every ten rape cases are actually reported to the police, and around 87%
of women being raped actually know their rapist, which would mean the number of
women being raped is significantly higher than what is being portrayed. These
numbers are incredibly alarming, especially since they are rising every year.
The level of awareness on rape in Malaysia is not
sufficient for today’s society. Not only does Malaysian law have a very narrow
definition of rape, but martial rape is not even criminalized in the country.
Furthermore, today’s society is one that tends to blame the victim rather than
blame the rapist.
AWAM provides legal counselling and aid for victims of
rape that seek out our help. Counselling services can be given either
face-to-face or through telephone. All of AWAM’s services are free. Any
information given is strictly confidential, and we cater to all kinds of women,
regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, geographical location, income, sexual
preference or status.
The tendency of society to blame women for getting raped
shows how deeply misogynistic notions have embedded themselves. The victim
should never be the one blamed for what the perpetrator did. No matter how a
woman is dressed, she is not ‘asking for it’.
Similarly, if a person is robbed and attacked in the street, the society
should not put the blame on the victim but rather to tackle the root cause of
such common societal ills.
If a woman didn’t scream or fight back during rape it
does not mean a rape did not occur, women deal with the trauma of rape in many
different ways - some are too afraid to struggle and therefore freeze during
the attack. Women who have been raped should not be blamed; they need to be
given medical attention and support they deserve, and the stigma surrounding
them needs to be lifted.
For more Information: www.facebook.com/AWAMMalaysia
评论
发表评论