KUCHING: Sexual harassment can happen anywhere and anytime, and to women, men and children.
They should always be aware of their surroundings and the people around them, said Sarawak Mental Health Association president Dr Ismail Drahman.
He said sexual harassment suffered by adults and children could affect their mental health.
“The perpetrators definitely have psychological problems, but they are not going to come forward for treatment because they don’t feel that they are sick.
“It is not a problem to them, usually they come for medical attention only when they are caught,” Dr Ismail said, giving his views on the recent sexual assault on a nine-year-old girl by a man at a supermarket in Petaling Jaya.
He said perpetrators who committed sexual harassment on children normally had paraphilic disorder.
“Most of the time they don’t do it openly, once they have the opportunity to act, they will do it. Therefore, parents must guide their children on this issue to prevent them from becoming victims,” he stressed.
When asked whether people with paraphilic disorder could be treated, Dr Ismail said it depended on the person’s conditions.
“If he feels comfortable practising it, it is difficult to treat. But if he feels uncomfortable, then it would be much easier to treat. There is no medication to help these people,” he pointed out.
He reiterated that creating awareness was important to guide people on their rights and how to protect themselves from sexual harassment.
