In her recent address in Sibu, Federal Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri painted a troubling picture of our society’s ongoing struggles with sexual harassment and domestic violence. Despite efforts to combat these issues, the statistics reveal a reality that demands urgent and collective action.
As of October 2024, police statistics recorded 666 cases of sexual harassment—a sharp increase from 488 cases in 2022 and 529 in 2023. According to the minister, these incidents “involved both men and women,” underlining the pervasive nature of the problem. Additionally, her ministry received 28 formal complaints through the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS), with only 10 cases progressing to the stage of compensation claims.
The figures for domestic violence are equally concerning. From January to September 2024, 5,453 cases were reported, including 431 in Sarawak alone. Although this marks a slight decline compared to 2023 and 2022, Nancy acknowledged that many cases remain unreported.
“These statistics only show the reported cases — there might be more cases as some might have gone unreported,” she said.
The rise in sexual harassment and the persistence of domestic violence cases serve as a wake-up call. Nancy’s appeal to community leaders to aim for “zero domestic violence cases” in their villages is admirable. But is it realistic? Achieving this goal requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses prevention, protection, and empowerment—tackling the root causes of these crimes head-on.
Education and awareness must be the foundation of these efforts. Empowering individuals with knowledge about their rights and the available channels for reporting is critical. Initiatives like the Community Care Programme and Advocacy Against Sexual Harassment, held in Sibujaya recently, exemplify steps in the right direction. These programmes foster understanding, empathy, and action by directly engaging with communities.
Looking beyond our borders, other countries provide valuable lessons. In Spain, the “No Means No” campaign successfully shifted societal attitudes about consent, supported by strict enforcement of sexual harassment laws. Similarly, India’s One Stop Centres offer victims integrated support, including medical aid, counselling, legal assistance, and police intervention—all under one roof.
Closer to home, the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) must be strengthened and better publicised to encourage more victims to come forward. The fact that only 28 complaints have been filed since its establishment highlights gaps in awareness or trust. Ensuring swift tribunal rulings and transparent compensation processes would go a long way in boosting confidence in the system.
Economic empowerment is another crucial factor. As the minister noted, most domestic violence victims are women who are “unemployed, homemakers, or jobless individuals.” Addressing this vulnerability requires creating pathways to financial independence. Initiatives like micro-loans for women entrepreneurs, vocational training, and community-driven job creation projects can reduce dependence and offer lifelines for those trapped in abusive environments.
Workplace training is equally important. Employers need to implement programmes that focus on identifying and dealing with sexual harassment. In countries like the United States, such training is a corporate compliance requirement, and it has significantly reduced workplace harassment.
The minister’s call for community leaders to be agents of change cannot be overstated. Villages and neighbourhoods should establish support networks with trained volunteers in crisis management and counselling. These networks can act as first responders, ensuring immediate assistance and emotional support for victims. Their presence would also act as a deterrent and send a clear message that violence and harassment will not be accepted.
Ultimately, the burden cannot rest solely on individuals and communities. Law enforcement and policymakers must step up. Dedicated police units trained to handle cases of sexual harassment and domestic violence with sensitivity and professionalism are essential. Victim-friendly environments in police stations, including private spaces for reporting and support staff trained in trauma management, are non-negotiable steps.
The government must also commit to greater transparency and accountability. Regular public reporting on the progress of cases, outcomes of TAGS rulings, and the effectiveness of intervention programmes would demonstrate that this issue is being treated with the urgency it deserves.
As the minister aptly put it, “The responsibility to prevent violence against women is on all of us—the government, the community, and also the individuals.” By fostering strong cooperation among stakeholders, we can move closer to breaking the cycle of violence and harassment.
Our collective goal should not merely be to achieve zero reported cases but to create a society where every individual—regardless of gender, economic status, or location—feels safe and supported. This is not just a government priority; it is a moral imperative.
Ending sexual harassment and domestic violence will require persistence, innovation, and a shared commitment. Together, we must ensure that the future headlines narrate a tale not of increasing statistics, but of a society that has discovered the bravery to evolve.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
