Pahang records 18,000 cases of violence against women

KUANTAN: Nearly 18,000 cases of violence against women have been recorded in Pahang from 2010 to 2016.

State Women and Family Development, Communication and Multimedia Committee chairman Shahaniza Shamsuddin said the state government had taken the initiative to raise awareness about violence against women, such as rape, obscenity, incest and unnatural sexual behaviour among others.

“Among the initiatives undertaken are campaigns to educate women on legal literacy so they know their rights and the actions that can be taken if they become victims. It will also teach them how to safeguard themselves,” she told reporters here today.

Shahaniza said this after launching the Pahang pre-Women’s Day celebration at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC).

She said the awareness campaign on violence against women focussed on university and school students too as they were also at risk of becoming victims.

Shahaniza said the Pahang government had also set up a special portal, Pahang Cakna.Com, that could serve as a platform for complaints regarding sexual harassment crimes.

“The portal was launched by the Prime Minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. We understand that some of the victims or individuals who are affected or know about the violence are afraid or embarrassed to lodge complaints as they fear their identities will become known to the perpetrators.

“The portal is the best medium for them to file complaints for further action,” she said. -FMT