Not all victims of harassment have the strength to speak up, which has inadvertently given the attackers more “freedom” and chutzpah to act however they choose.
A Malaysian recently decided to speak up when she was sexually harassed on the LRT train. On her Twitter account, she not only recounted her experience but also shared some tips on what to do if you happen to be a victim of sexual harassment.
‘It started with a light touch’
The woman revealed that she was sexually harassed at the Kelana Jaya Line during peak hours. It started with a light touch before the perpetrator proceeded to squeeze her buttocks.
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She managed to take a picture of the back of the man, who is allegedly a Pakistani before she alerted Prasarana’s auxiliary police about the incident. It took the authorities less than 24 hours to catch the man!
Here’s what you should do, fellow victims!
1. ALERT & ALERT
First and foremost, she urged people to always be alert to their surroundings as sexual harassment cases happens on a daily basis.
2. Scream!
If you find yourself sexually harassed, don’t hesitate to scream which may intimidate the perpetrator. In her case, she immediately yelled at the man when she was assaulted.
‘Watch your hand, pervert!’ she yelled which prompted the man to remove his hand.
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She also said that victims can ask others to help them by saying ‘stop him! He’s touching/groping me!’.
3. Auxiliary police to the rescue
In her tweet, she mentioned that the auxiliary police officers at the station are efficient and they are trustworthy. She said that victims should ask help from others to escort the perpetrators out to the nearest auxiliary police.
‘However, I did not manage to do so as I was in shock and the creep got off at the next station (Pasar Seni).’
4. Lodge a report
Last but not least, which is perhaps the most complicated step (but necessary), victims should also make a police report. The victims may be asked to head towards Ibu Pejabat Kontinjen KL as sexual harassment cases can be complicated, especially if no witnesses or concrete evidence are present.
Regardless, the woman emphasised its necessity.
‘This is why you need to act IMMEDIATELY when it happens. No one can deny what you experienced and it can be traumatic. I cried three times but that’s okay,’ she ended her post.
Little did the perpetrators know that their acts may not only cause their victims a lot of grief but also cause them to be traumatised. Fellow ladies, do be alert to your surroundings and do speak up if you ever become a victim of sexual harassment or assault.
Also read: Men In KTM’s Ladies’ Coach! M’sian Annoyed With The Scene & Wants KTMB To Take Immediate Action
