Amnesty International Malaysia is appalled by the statement by Datuk Abu Hasan Di Al-Hafiz, a religious leader, that chastity belts would protect victims of rape and incest.
The underlying cause of rape and other forms of violence against women lies in discrimination which denies women’s equality with men. Violence against women is about power and control.
This suggestion is nothing else but another form of violence to control women’s behaviour and to restrict and maintain the subordination of women. It is unacceptable and violates a women’s dignity and her physical and mental integrity.
The use of chastity belts also amounts to torture, inhuman and degrading treatment that violates a women’s sexual and reproductive rights and is detrimental to a women’s personal health and hygiene.
We call on all the government and community groups to denounce statements like this that reinforces discriminatory attitudes and perpetuate violence against women and girls and take the necessary action.
Josef Roy Benedict
Executive Director
Amnesty International Malaysia
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