PETALING JAYA: Sexual harassment is a serious and traumatic violation of the victim, and one which is never invited, says Sisters in Islam (SIS).

"To imply that women should dress in a certain way in order to avoid sexual harassment, not only infringes on her freedom to express herself but also relegates the maturity of us as a modern society," said SIS communications manager Majidah Hashim in a statement on Thursday (Aug 2).

Majidah added that SIS firmly supports the motion put forward by Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah that safe spaces must be established for victims of sexual harassment to feel comfortable to come forward.

"We believe that the important component in creating a safe space is to recognise that women's apparel is not an invitation or excuse for sexual harassment.

"It is important that discussions around the issue of sexual harassment are focused on policies that can contribute towards positively changing our culture to one that respects women," she said.

Majidah added that there was also a need for policies that supported the creation of environments within public and private sectors whereby sexual harassment was not tolerated.

This should replace policies that faulted the dress codes of certain occupations.