KUALA LUMPUR – An article on sexual harassment, which drew flak for its victim-blaming stance, was uploaded to a Health Ministry (MoH) website without approval.
This is according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba in commenting on the article, which has since been taken down following criticism from social media users.
“Nobody from the higher authorities in the ministry allowed this article to be published,” he said in a brief WhatsApp message to The Vibes yesterday.
Dr Adham was asked how the insensitive and ignorant write-up was approved for publication.
The minister, however, did not respond to further questions when asked if he agreed that the contents were inappropriate and inaccurate, or whether the ministry will initiate an internal investigation on the matter.
The article, titled Emotional Impact on Sexual Harassment Victims, was last reviewed on January 5, 2016.
The write-up stated several factors that could lead to sexual harassment, including a “sexy and attractive body shape” and how women dress.
I have been alerted about this article. This is absolutely wrong. @KKMPutrajaya must remove this - https://t.co/cIOI6y0Wd4 @DrAmarMOH @DrDzul @leeboonchye pic.twitter.com/8zXLzX6iW0
— Hannah Yeoh (@hannahyeoh) April 12, 2021
“Unrestricted social interactions are also one of the sources that provoke men to commit sexual harassment. In this modern era of globalisation, there are no restrictions for men and women to intermingle. As a result, certain parties will take advantage to commit sexual harassment,” the article read.
The piece has since drawn criticism from women’s rights groups, including the All Women’s Action Society (Awam), whose information and communications officer, Tan Chia Ee, said such statements could result in backlash against MoH.
“By listing survivor-related characteristics as the causes of sexual harassment, the Health Ministry is perpetuating the bias that sexual harassment can only happen to individuals with specific characteristics, i.e. dressing and interacting in an inviting manner, and being physically attractive,” she said.
Tan said such notions would result in ignorance towards the fact that harassment also happens to women who do not fit the victim stereotype, as well as men.
“It also affects self-perception, whereby the individual can delude themselves into thinking that they will not be sexually harassed, which can prevent them from seeking help. This bias also severely compromises the perceived credibility of survivors who do not fit the expected characteristics when they speak out, and exacerbates stigma as they try to access redress,” she added.
Tan added that such insensitive statements could lead to mental health implications.
“This misinformation can lead to unjustifiably devastating mental and emotional health consequences, from withdrawal from work or social interactions to more severe ones, such as self-harm and even suicide, as sexual harassment survivors experience self-blame and/or receive negative reactions from others.”
Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) head of campaigns Abinaya Mohan also slammed MoH’s MyHealth’s portal article for being poorly researched, sexist and harmful to sexual harassment survivors.
“Victim-blaming has no place in official, educational messaging, and any narrative on sexual harassment must utilise legitimate sources and ensure accountability on the part of the perpetrator.
“This is why we urgently call for the implementation of the sexual harassment bill and amendments to the Employment Act, both of which will afford better protection to survivors, improve public awareness and prevent further misrepresentation of information on the issue,” Abinaya told The Vibes.
Meanwhile, The Vibes also contacted a sexual harassment survivor on the condition of anonymity regarding her views on the write-up.
She said that by putting blame on the victims, the article puts forth the notion that there are some who deserve to be sexually harassed more than others.
“Sexual harassment is more about power and control than it is about sex and lust.
“In implying that victims are the cause of sexual harassment because of the way they look and dress, the article suggests that some victims deserve to be sexually harassed more than others,” she said. – The Vibes, April 14, 2021
