KUCHING: Instead of feeling ashamed, Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) wants more survivors of sexual harassment and violence in Sarawak to come forward and share their stories – to normalise the topic.
SWWS member Kimberley Tan said oftentimes, survivors were questioned, disbelieved and blamed for their trauma, hence, many were reluctant to speak out.
“We are often weighed down by taboo, stigma and shame… but, all these will not help the victims and survivors with their journey of trauma healing,” she told New Sarawak Tribune.
“We want to address the issue with our social language in our community – that’s heavily adopted rape culture.
Thus, we have begun a campaign – #bukansalahkamek to normalise conversation about sexual harassment and violence in Sarawak,” she explained.
Tan said most survivors of sexual harassment and violence would at one point think, “It was my fault” – hence, the #bukansalahkamek campaign, which means “It was not my fault” in Bahasa Sarawak, came about in 2019 when a team of passionate women gathered to brainstorm and aimed to do something to raise awareness on the issue in Sarawak.
Through the campaign, SWWS has received about 100 stories, which are currently displayed at the “Breaking Our Silence” exhibition at Level 1, La Promenade Mall, which runs until April 16.
The exhibition was part of the #bukansalahkamek campaign, that featured stories about sexual harassment and violence incidents, involving children, below the age of eight, as well as other women and men.
Tan said the stories were exhibited in four spaces, namely playschool, classroom, workplaces/public places and bedroom.
“It (four spaces) was curated in such a way to challenge myths and rape culture in our societal language.”
“Also, visitors will feel that the stories exhibited are relatable and learn more about the prevalence of sexual violence and harassment in our society,” she said.
“We need to remove the onus from survivors and put the whole responsibility of the violence and harassment on perpetrators.”
“Public can (continue) to submit their stories at www.bukansalahkamek.my – a safe space for survivors to share their stories without having to carry the shame and blame that society may throw at them,” she added.
Those who are interested to know more, can follow SWWS Instagram and Twitter @bukansalahkamek for any updates and events.
Apart from that, there are also merchandise for sale at the exhibition, while those interested in contributing in terms of cash donations, can reach out to 011-36593445.
SWWS also welcome more volunteers to join their team to promote women’s equality and eliminate the violence against women and children.
