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No clear definition of outrage of modesty
TOUCHING someone's breasts or buttocks is clearly considered an outrage of modesty - but so can making someone touch you, even if it is on a seemingly innocent part of your body like your shoulders.
Lawyers interviewed said there is no clear definition of outrage of modesty.
But a general rule of thumb is that so long as a man makes a woman feel uncomfortable by his actions, that could qualify as outrage of modesty.
Lawyer Chia Boon Teck said a man can be convicted of molestation even if he does not touch the girl but forces her to touch him.
In most outrage of modesty cases, however, a woman's sensitive areas, such as her breasts, buttocks, inner thighs and private parts, were violated.
In 1993, former chief justice Yong Pung How noted that someone guilty of stroking a woman's thigh on impulse, or making a naughty but harmless nudge, should be fined. But if a victim's private parts or sexual organs were touched, the standard sentence should be a jail term and caning, he said.
Lawyers said the punishment would depend on the body part that was touched, and the manner in which the act was carried out. And when vulnerable children are involved, the law tends to treat the culprit more harshly.
Those convicted of outrage of modesty can be jailed for up to 10 years and caned.
The police yesterday advised parents to ensure that their young children are accompanied at all times. They also called on people to be alert and attentive to their surroundings. If they suspect they are being followed, they should remain calm and proceed to the nearest crowded area or call the police. They can also carry a shrill alarm to call for help. They should also avoid entering a lift with a stranger.
(Today's ST)
The [lack of] outcry you [will] see proves that people fight harder for their interests than other people's rights.