It’s unfortunate that so many women have to endure sexual harassment, no matter at what age. Some don’t even realise that they were harassed until years later. And no matter how “minor” the harassment is, harassment is still harassment.
What’s even more unfortunate is that we live in a society that blames the victim, and mocks the victim for being scared or uncomfortable. “What were you wearing?” “Why were you there?” “Do you not like compliments?”
Sometimes, it takes various people from every level to raise awareness on issues like this. And this time, this Malaysian educator is taking the baton after experiencing the unfortunate incident first-hand. Racheal Kwacz is a Child and Family Development Specialist, and can always be seen with her loving and happy family through her Instagram. However, this week she posted a different content from what she often does.
In the Instagram video, she was visibly distressed and was on the verge of tears. She shared her experience of being harassed by a trolley attendant in a parking lot at one of the shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, 163 Retail Park. She explained how she went to buy groceries with her husband and daughter, but on their way back to their car, she felt like something was off; a trolley attendant was following her family close by behind.
When they were done loading their groceries in the car, her daughter wanted to use the restroom, so she asked for her husband’s help to take her daughter as she passed the shopping cart to the trolley attendant. However, when she got into the car, the trolley attendant did not leave. He hung around, and kept looking at her (creepy enough? yikes). She thought he was just there to wait around for more trolleys or tips, and that was where she was wrong.
The trolley attendant went over to her car, got real close, and asked her to roll down her car window. That was when it got creepier. He told her that she was really pretty and sexy, then proceeded on to ask her where she lived!
Of course, she did not leave the incident as it is, she lodged a report to the mall’s management. However, the lady at the end of the line only laughed and asked her, “So he praised and complimented you and you feel threatened?” The management lady came across really condescending.
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Ever since this video has been circulated around social media, 163 Retail Park released an official statement through their Facebook page. Referring back to the video, they have stated how “All incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.” And we sure hope they do! We hope both the woman from the management team along with the harasser are held responsible.
We also hope all ladies will always be careful, and like Racheal mentioned, “Always trust your gut“. If your guts tell you to flee, just do it for your own safety. People watching the IG Live had also suggested to blare the honk when something like this happens, and also to lock the car door the second you enter your vehicle.
We as a society could always do better than this with harassment issues, and see it as a more serious matter. Educate our boys, and protect our girls. Once we know better, we do better. Everything starts from young.
We hope everyone stays safe and educated!
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