Helping to break the gender stigma in seeking help

More targeted awareness campaigns towards men will help break the stigma of reporting sexual harassment and assault, say police.

Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) assistant director Asst Comm Siti Kamsiah Hassan said constant engagements with the public are being conducted to improve awareness.

She was asked how the police were helping to break the stigma of male victims coming forward so as to not “appear weak”.

“The police will continue conducting programmes and campaigns with the assistance of other agencies in bringing awareness to the masses.

“Several series of awareness programmes on the Anti-sexual Harassment Act have been conducted as well as methods to combat sexual harassment. More programmes are being planned.

“The police also encourage more awareness campaigns to reach the male demographic and target men as well,” she said.

ACP Siti Kamsiah added that D11 is cognisant of the sensitivities involved in such cases, regardless of the gender of the victim.

“The police, in particular D11, are very aware and sensitive on this matter.

“Case management for sexual crimes are always handled prudently while taking note of the sensitivities of the victims, be it men or women.

“It is done with the best approach possible to reduce the uncomfortableness and trauma faced by victims,” she said.

ACP Siti Kamsiah added that constant training is conducted for investigating officers in handling sexual crimes.

On the difference between sexual harassment and assault, ACP Siti Kamsiah noted that while there isn’t a specific definition of the term “sexual assault”, it generally implied that more force was used during the incident.

“Generally, sexual assault involves more aggression and elements of coercion and intimidation that could lead to serious physical and emotional harm to the victim or others involved in the assault,” she said.

It includes forced rape, use of force and the use of weapons or intoxicating agents, among others.

“This also covers cases without physical touch such as sexual extortion and the spread of lewd material on an open platform such as the Internet, which would cause serious emotional pressure and trauma on the victim.

“And this could also lead to depression to the point of suicide,” she said.

ACP Siti Kamsiah explained that to the police, a harassment case turns into assault when elements of coercion and threats are identified, and such elements lead to physical and emotional pain to the victims.