2007 06: 60pc of rape cases happen on dates

NST online. Local News. 27/6/07

By : David Yeow

KUALA LUMPUR: Every day, eight women and girls are raped. And more than half of the cases reported every year are date rapes.

These are the chilling facts revealed by the figures from 2004 till March this year released by the police Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Investigations Division (D11).

The number of rapes has been steadily rising, according to D11 assistant director Ong Hin Lan. Last year 2,428 rapes were reported, "and up until March, we have received 715 reports of rape".

And most of the reports — 60 per cent — involve date rape, which is hard to prove in court, she said.

It is easier to prosecute rapists when the victims are minors as they can be charged with statutory rape, which carries a mandatory sentence of eight years. "But it is harder in the case of date rape victims above the age of 18, as it often turns into a ‘she says; he says’ situation," she said in a phone interview with the New Straits Times.

Because evidence plays a strong role in rape trials, women should be mentally prepared for the worst case scenario of rape.

"Train yourself to handle an attack. Scratch the rapist, as skin cells collected from underneath the finger nails can be used to prove his identity," she said.

"And as disgusting and dirty as you might feel, do not shower or clean yourself. You might wash away valuable evidence. If you’re badly hurt go to the nearest hospital and they will know what to do.

"Otherwise go straight to the police station and lodge a report. Police officers are now trained to deal with rape victims.

"Do not change your clothes. If they have been ripped, put them in a plastic bag together with your undergarments and hand them to the police.

"But most importantly, Ong said, prevention is key. Rape is caused by three factors — the rapist, the place and the opportunity. The woman can control the last two."

A lot of date rapes happen because women are too trusting and follow their dates to unfamiliar places, or accept drinks without knowing exactly what is in them. Being vigilant really makes a difference."