MORE than 1,000 men have made sexual harassment complaints to social support centres, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
“Most of them don’t take their complaints to the police.
“However, many have come to complain to our regional social support centres.
“Previously, we recorded only a dozen cases but it increased to over 1,000 cases after advocacy programmes were organised,” said the Women, Family and Community Development Minister.
She said the number is alarming and shows that men also face the risk of sexual harassment.
“These cases must be addressed and require effort from the whole community.
“Most sexual harassment cases men face involve other men,” she told reporters during the Elimination of Violence against Women campaign accompanied by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul yesterday.
Nancy said the campaign was held in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women yesterday by the United Nations resolution.
She also said the campaign aims to address the spike in sexual violence cases, especially involving girls and to raise awareness among the community.
“Cases of violence against children and women have increased day by day.
“But whether the number truly reflects the reality, we don’t know,” she said, adding that the ministry would continue to organise programmes to raise public awareness so that the people know that there are different forms of violence against women.
Nancy urged victims of violence to come forward and lodge a report.
“We know that many do not dare due to shame or fear of losing their dependence,” she said, adding that such campaigns are important to let victims know that they are not alone.
