Last week, Sarawak’s welfare, community wellbeing, women, family and childhood development minister Fatimah Abdullah said that rape cases in the state had increased 14% in the first half of 2021 compared with the same period last year, with 50 cases involving minors.

The Sarawak Women for Women Society said while it is difficult to make any definitive inferences from the increase, it would be consistent with trends seen around the world in countries that have faced long periods of lockdown.

“We suspect from global trends that the pandemic is likely to have increased the incidence of intra-familial sexual abuse like incest, statutory rape or marital rape, and also increase online grooming that results in abuse,” a spokesman told FMT.

In many cases, abuse is often not reported unless a pregnancy occurs, which could explain why of the reported rapes in the first half of this year, over 61% were said to have resulted in a pregnancy.

In addition, some rapes may not be reported until long after the incident occurs.

“There are many factors which prevent all forms of rape being reported. Our attention needs to be on removing those barriers and dispelling myths of sexual abuse,” the spokesman said.

In addition to teaching young boys to respect women’s rights, women and children must be empowered to speak up when they experience sexual assault and harassment.

“They must understand their rights and know where to get help. The people and authorities in turn must also be able to help in an empathetic and non-judgmental way.

“Date rape happens, sex workers can be raped, wives can be raped by husbands, children, even boys, can be sexually abused,” the spokesman added.

Instilling these values would not only minimise how many rapes go unreported and unpunished, but also encourage victims to come forward in a more timely way.