Sexual harassment
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According to the latest YouGov Omnibus research, it is found that over a third (36%) of Malaysians women have experienced sexual harassment, compared to 17% of men. To avoid being sexually harassed, 70% of Malaysian women regularly take precautions, compared to 30% men.
Sexual harassment is unwelcomed behaviour of a sexual nature which:
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violates your dignity
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makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated
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creates a hostile or offensive environment
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can be written, verbal or physical, and can happen in person or online
Example, a man whistles at a woman when she walks by.
Or a woman looks a man up and down when he walks towards her.
staring at you, making sexual gestures or suggestive body movements towards you
touching, grabbing or making other physical contact with you without your consent
What does it include?
Sexual harassment can include someone:
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committing a criminal offence against you, such as making an obscene phone call, indecently exposing themselves or sexually assaulting you.
Why sexual harassment is rarely reported?
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Results based on 1,002 Malaysians surveyed on YouGov Omnibus
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The chart above shows the reasons on why sexual harassment is rarely reported here, in Malaysia.
In conclusion, sexual harassment should be more commonly discussed as it widely takes place in the society we are in today, and it encourages women to report about it which decrease the chances of sexual harassment cases taking place in the future.
Source: https://my.yougov.com/en-my/news/2019/08/06/over-third-malaysian-women-have-experienced-sexual/
Human trafficking
The Act  (What is done)
Recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons
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The Means  (How it is done)
Threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim
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The Purpose  (Why it is done)
For the purpose of exploitation, which includes exploiting the prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or similar practices and the removal of organs.
Women Trafficking
Across the world, an estimated 71% of enslaved people are women and girls, while men and boys account for 29%. Millions of women and girls live in the long shadows of human trafficking. Whether ensnared by force, coercion, or deception, they live in limbo, in fear, in pain.
Because human trafficking operates in darkness, it’s difficult to get exact numbers of victims. However, the vast majority of detected trafficking victims are women and girls, and three out of four are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
The map above shows the human trafficking scene here, in Malaysia
The pay’s great: How human trafficking syndicates lure victims
Extracted from: The Star
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Victims were promised employment with high pay but in reality they were confined and lured into forced labour and prostitution.
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This tactic is not new to syndicates that specialise in trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants when they seek victims, especially those living in poverty because people who are desperate to change their fortunes are more easily manipulated and victimised.
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Malaysians are also among the victims of human trafficking syndicates, with 54 rescued this year (2019).
Most of the victims of human trafficking ranged in age from 16 to their 30s.
“This group is considered ‘vulnerable’ – they have always been the target of syndicates.
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“Some come legally and voluntarily, but before they enter this country, the syndicate will approach them and promise employment opportunities with lucrative salaries, ” he told Bernama.
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SAC Fadil said the modus operandi of these syndicates was to recruit foreigners in their home countries; then the local syndicate would smuggle them in for a fee.
“There were victims who were brought in using social visit passes, then offered jobs but ended up being exploited – the victims became forced labourers and their wages are taken to pay for the transportation cost, ” he added.
There were also cases where victims were locked up together before being forced to do their work.
“Male foreigners are often exploited into forced labour, while women are forced into sex slavery. Their salaries will be kept and they would not be allowed to contact their families at home, ” he said.
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From January to November this year, the Atipsom Unit investigated 264 cases involving trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, compared with 281 cases last year, said SAC Fadil.
“A total of 194 cases this year involved sexual exploitation, forced labour (67) and sale of infants (three).
"We detained 353 employers and syndicate members as well as rescued 1,153 victims comprising 1,123 women and 30 men, ” he added.
SAC Fadil said those found guilty of smuggling migrants or exploiting locals or foreigners could face a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail and a fine. – Bernama
What to do when you have witnessed women being human trafficked?
Contact authorities such as the police by dialling 999.
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Report suspected cases anonymously to the hotline at 03-8000 8000, seven days a week, from 7.30am to 9pm.
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The hotline was launched under the 1Malaysia One Call Centre (1MOCC). The public could also contact the hotline after the operation hours to record their complaints and the recording would be received by the duty officer the following day.
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Fundraising. Holding a fundraiser and donating the money raised to one of the countless organizations that help to fight human trafficking not only gives money to the cause but also brings awareness to the issue.
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Volunteer. Volunteering time and effort to an anti-trafficking organization is a great way to contribute to the fight against human trafficking.
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Be aware of the signs of human trafficking. Being educated on signs that could indicate someone is a victim of human trafficking increases the likelihood of reporting and could give a voice to victims who do not feel comfortable speaking out for themselves.
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Report suspicions – It is important to know the resources available. When traveling abroad, it is beneficial to look up the emergency phone number of the given country, to enable quick reports should a trafficking victim be spotted.