A forum aimed at overcoming popular misconceptions of rape and violence against women will be held in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday.

The "Eliminate Rape! Our Responsibility" forum, organised by the All Women's Action Society (Awam), will bring together representatives from the Women's Affairs Department, Royal Malaysian Police, Bar Council, Transport Ministry and City Hall, who will discuss their respective roles in creating a violence-free community.

Awam president Mary Suma Cardosa told malaysiakini that the forum is meant to "raise awareness and clear the misconceptions that surround the issue of rape".

"Participants are advised to raise any concerns and questions about rape itself, the myths or the responsibility of all concerned in ensuring a safe environment for all of us," said Cardosa, who is a medical doctor in Selayang hospital.

According to project coordinator Tasha Peterson, the forum is Awam's latest project following a series of campaigns to raise the level of awareness in the public regarding women's issues, especially rape.

She said Bukit Aman police statistics showed an alarming rise in rape cases, from an average of 1.8 reported rape cases per day in 1991 to 4.1 rape cases in 1998.

Reported rape cases per day

"If unreported rape cases were to be taken into account, it is estimated that a woman is raped every 1.7 hours. For every reported case, 10 cases go unreported," said Peterson.

"Rape can occur anywhere, even in the family, where it can take the form of marital rape or incest," she added.

The two-hour forum, starting at 3pm, will be held at the Pearl International Hotel, Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.

Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturer and founding member of the Women's Crisis Centre in Penang Dr. Rohana Ariffin will be the moderator.

Those interested can contact Awam at telephone no: 03-7957 0221 for further details.