The recent sexual harassment case involving a professor at Universiti Malaya has drawn widespread public attention. This incident not only exposes deeper issues of power abuse in academia but also compels us to reconsider the profound and lasting impact sexual harassment has on individuals.
Sexual harassment is more than a physical violation; it severely damages a victim’s psychological well-being and sense of self. Survivors often find themselves trapped in a vortex of isolation, shame, and self-doubt. The emotional trauma can linger far longer than any physical harm. Due to societal silence and pervasive biases, many survivors struggle to find understanding and support, further compounding their suffering. Whether female or male, all survivors urgently need a multifaceted network of social, legal, and psychological resources. Counseling, in particular, plays a critical role, offering a safe emotional space for survivors to regain self-awareness and mental health. Counselors not only provide emotional support but also guide survivors toward rebuilding confidence and hope for the future.
Listening and Guidance: The Core Tasks of Counseling
The first and foremost role of counseling is to listen. In cases of sexual harassment, survivors often crave a space where they can speak without fear of judgment—a place where they feel heard and understood. A counselor is not merely a provider of psychological support but also a companion in the survivor’s emotional journey. Listening, in this context, becomes the beginning of healing. As Scripture reminds us, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Though the wounds inflicted by sexual harassment run deep, a counselor’s attentive listening can help release a survivor’s suppressed emotions and allow them to feel the divine presence of love and comfort, initiating the process of healing.
However, counseling involves more than just listening. It also requires guiding survivors out of their pain. Victims of sexual harassment frequently blame themselves, mistakenly believing they provoked the perpetrator’s actions. A counselor’s task is to help them clarify their thoughts and understand that harassment is never their fault; they should not bear the burden of responsibility for someone else’s misconduct. In this journey, the counselor is not only a sympathetic listener but a guide to the heart. By helping survivors rebuild a healthy sense of self, counselors enable them to reclaim confidence in life and hope for the future. Every step forward is a movement toward redemption and renewal, empowering survivors to move from pain toward freedom.
Breaking Gender Bias: Men Are Survivors Too
Sexual harassment is not a problem exclusive to women; men can also be victims, and the stigma surrounding male survivors makes their experiences even more complex. In the Malaysian university case, the male professor reportedly felt confused, ashamed, and emotionally drained after being harassed by a student. Society often expects men to be stoic, dismissing their suffering and leaving many male victims feeling isolated and unable to seek help. Worse still, many suppress their emotions, believing that showing vulnerability or asking for support contradicts societal expectations. This gender bias exacerbates their psychological burden and leaves them even more helpless when confronting trauma.
A counselor’s role is to help male survivors break free from these gender stereotypes. Counselors must help them understand that being a victim of harassment is not defined by gender; everyone has the right to safety and support. As Scripture teaches, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). This verse reminds us that love is unconditional, transcending gender, age, or status. Counselors should encourage male survivors to realize that their pain and right to care are just as valid as anyone else’s. Breaking free from gender bias is a critical step toward reclaiming inner strength, empowering survivors to confront their experiences and begin the process of healing.
Rebuilding Identity: Empowering Survivors
Sexual harassment not only inflicts physical trauma but also deeply undermines a survivor’s sense of identity. Abusers often manipulate power to render victims helpless and ashamed, causing them to question their self-worth and believe they deserved to be targeted. This psychological injury profoundly distorts a survivor’s understanding of their own value, leading to significant mental distress. In counseling, helping survivors reconstruct a healthy self-identity is essential. Counselors must listen empathetically and guide survivors to recognize that harassment is never their fault and that their dignity deserves protection and restoration.
Counselors should also encourage survivors to engage in reflection and self-discovery, gradually helping them rediscover purpose and meaning in life. Every survivor, through meaningful dialogue with a counselor, can reclaim inner strength and walk the path of self-redemption. As Scripture declares, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Each person possesses God-given worth and dignity, and survivors are no exception. A counselor’s mission is not only to help survivors overcome their pain but also to guide them in reclaiming their unique brilliance and worth. In this process, survivors come to recognize their intrinsic value and develop renewed courage and strength to face life’s challenges. This transformation represents both the restoration of self-identity and a crucial step toward liberation from suffering.
Legal and Social Support: Essential External Foundations
In addition to counseling, legal aid and social support are vital components of a survivor’s healing journey. In the Malaysian case, some survivors chose to seek justice through legal channels. However, many fear the complexities of legal procedures, public scrutiny, or the power held by perpetrators, leading them to remain silent or avoid confrontation. This silence not only denies survivors the legal protection they deserve but also deepens their sense of pain and isolation. Counselors have a responsibility to help survivors understand their rights within the legal system and how the law can protect them. Counseling can help survivors realize they are not alone—society and the law can provide strong support to help them emerge from the shadows.
Society must also offer robust legal frameworks and encourage survivors to pursue justice courageously. Counselors should provide both emotional care and practical legal guidance, empowering survivors with the confidence to face perpetrators. When society offers comprehensive support, survivors can break the silence, speak out, and secure the justice and compensation they deserve. Legal and social safeguards provide survivors with a foundation of compassion and care, strengthening their path to recovery.
Conclusion: Moving Forward Together to Build a Society of Respect and Care
Sexual harassment is a profound social issue that goes beyond individual suffering—it reveals systemic flaws that demand societal change. As advocates, we must offer holistic support through counseling, legal aid, and social resources to help every survivor recover confidence and dignity.
Yet, addressing harassment requires more than personal action; it demands collective engagement. Through education and legal reform, we can dismantle gender biases and societal silence, fostering a culture of love, respect, and justice. In such an environment, everyone can live free from harassment, realizing their full potential.
Scripture reminds us, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5). Let us live out this love, supporting survivors in their healing and working together to create a more just and compassionate world.
