Unicef Malaysia: Gang-rape case, rising child abuse highlight need for increased prevention efforts

PETALING JAYA: The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has called on the government to adopt prevention and intervention approaches to ensure children are protected from sexual abuse, which it claims has been on the rise over the past few years.

Speaking in the aftermath of a gang rape of a 15-year old by over 30 individuals in Ketereh on May 20, Unicef said the case highlights a collective need to identify and address the underlying causes of violence against girls,including addressing attitudes and beliefs that condone violence and perpetuate harmful constructions of masculinity.