Trigger Warning: The text below contains sensitive content about sexual abuse.

The conclusion of Ramadan with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr typically brings joy and festivities. However, for one Malaysian woman, this year's Eid marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal. While visiting relatives during the holiday, she was tragically subjected to rape by her cousin. 

Despite her parents confronting the perpetrator's parents, who admitted to the crime, the victim's parents chose not to report the incident to authorities. On April 21, clinical oncologist Nazeera Nasir shared a troubling screenshot on X platform, accompanied by a caption emphasizing the importance of sex education for both children and parents. 

The screenshot recounted a man's distressing narrative of his girlfriend's rape while visiting relatives for Eid al-Fitr. According to the post, the girlfriend was lured into a room by her cousin and assaulted, despite her resistance. 

Upon disclosing the incident to her parents, they confronted the perpetrator's parents, who acknowledged their son's wrongdoing. However, the victim's parents opted to conceal the assault and declined to involve the authorities, even blaming their daughter for speaking out.

Expressing his frustration, the man stated, "I am deeply enraged as the perpetrator remains unpunished, and my girlfriend suffers from trauma, unable to sleep at night." Despite reaching out to the perpetrator on Instagram seeking justice, he received no response. He lamented the lack of evidence due to the passage of 72 hours since the incident, fearing that exposing the perpetrator would further victimize his girlfriend, leading to blame from her parents.

In response, many online users urged the man to support his girlfriend in reporting the assault, emphasizing that ignoring her parents' wishes would ensure accountability for the perpetrator. Some highlighted the importance of documenting such incidents, even if law enforcement may not immediately act, to protect future victims and maintain records. Others condemned the victim's parents' decision not to report the assault, questioning their priorities and criticizing their failure to protect their daughter.

The incident underscores the severity of rape and the importance of ensuring perpetrators face consequences. Such trauma can have lasting effects on victims, making it imperative to pursue justice to prevent further harm.