Govt told to end 'institutionalised' rape culture

 

The Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) has urged Putrajaya to take concrete action to end the "institutionalised" rape culture.

In a statement today, WAO said the Education Ministry's request for evidence of period checks in schools and the police's response to the plight of a teenager who exposed a teacher for joking about rape were symptomatic of a system that consistently protects perpetrators.

"It is distressing that there is clear, institutional disregard for the safety of the children and a disempowering practice of disbelieving survivors.

"Authorities officially alluding to the rape threats as a joke is symptomatic of normalised rape culture. These threats are also a form of sexual harassment, which is a product of rape culture.

"This acceptance at the highest levels perpetuates practices of violence against women, and diminishes the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms," said WAO.

Specifically, WAO said the Education Ministry and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry must address the issue of harassment in schools and institutionalised rape culture.

"Additionally, safe reporting practices for survivors of violence or harassment who come forward must be established, and investigations must be conducted in a transparent and survivor-centric manner.

"We must hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, rather than absolving them from responsibility and placing blame on survivors," said WAO.

Over the past week, the Education Ministry has come under fire after several news organisations highlighted complaints from school children and parents over "period spot checks" in schools.

On Monday, Education Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin had demanded evidence of such practice.

Teenager Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam, on April 24, exposed a teacher for allegedly joking about "rape" and making lewd remarks in class.

Following the exposure, a classmate made a rape threat against her.

“If I get you, I will shred you or rape you and send you to Thailand,” the schoolmate said, in the recording published on Twitter by Ain.

The classmate had since apologised. Police had taken the statement from the teacher on Monday and the investigation is still ongoing.  - Mkini