JEDDAH — The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) stated categorically that harassment cases fell under its purview and the body was taking measures to quell it. Haia spokesman Turki Al-Shulail confirmed in a statement published Saturday on the commission's website that “harassment cases are issues that fall under their responsibly both in terms of awareness and busting those involved.” Al-Shulail said the issue has not yet become a phenomena and the commission and the society are capable of tackling it. He considered harassment cases as few when compared to other issues. “Our conservative society renounces these shameful behaviors which go against the teachings of Islam and morality,” he stressed. He added that the commission is working on measures by increasing awareness in the society while enhancing Islamic values and teachings. Al-Shulail elaborated that they are firmly against harassers regardless of their gender or nationality. Further, he noted, that they receive calls on their hotlines (1909) for all issues that fall under their responsibility, including harassment cases, and said that they transfer these cases to concerned authorities after nabbing the culprits. Talking about harassment incidents, Social Researcher Abdul Rahman Obaid stated that an essential step is to provide safe and confidential channels for victims to voice their complaints. He also noted that schools, universities and the media are required to play a great role in increasing awareness among the public. Psychologist Samira Al-Ghamdi, the former head of Himaya Family Protection Society, called on enacting a clear anti-harassment law urgently. She also stressed the need to prevent harassers from enjoying public services, imposing of specified fines, prevent them from getting jobs, and name and shame them in the media. These steps, she elaborated are essential to stop such incidents from spreading in the society. Further, she called for more awareness programs to be put into action to prevent harassment indoors — such as at homes and in offices. The increase in harassment cases in the Kingdom has raised concerns, especially after the spread of at least three harassment videos in different regions. According to the ministry of justice there are 3,982 harassment cases that have been documented in the Kingdom during the past two years. The growing number of cases pushed many to call for the issuance of an anti-harassment law, which is still being opposed by some conservatives who believe that such a law will justify the mingling between men and women.
