251 sexual offences involving varsity students in first 8 months

In the first eight months of the year, 251 cases of sexual offences involving students from higher education institutions were reported, according to deputy women, family and community development minister Lim Hui Ying. These statistics, obtained from the police, underscore the need for serious attention and continuous action to ensure safety in educational settings, as reported by Berita Harian.

Highlighting the importance of awareness and support, Lim stated that the Skuad Waja Siswa initiative in universities aims to tackle violence against women by enlisting volunteers to raise awareness and assist in addressing such issues. She emphasized that violence against women and sexual harassment are serious matters that extend beyond physical harm, encompassing threats, insults, emotional manipulation, and financial control.

Lim stressed that these issues must not be taken lightly, expressing hope that the exposure through the Skuad Waja programme can help students understand their rights and the steps they can take if they face sexual harassment. As of September, the initiative has garnered a total of 340,667 volunteers nationwide, with 264,461 of them being women.