A local women's initiative has called on the Egyptian authorities to gear up forces to combat crimes of sexual violence during the upcoming Eid holidays, urging the government to take responsibility in addressing the matter.

Holiday seasons in Egypt have become associated with a peak in sexual violence and mass incidents of harassment and rape.

In a press release issued Monday,“Shoft Taharosh” (I Saw Harassment) maintained that handling such crimes should be accomplished without violating human rights or breaching the law, pointing out that some of the offenders could be as young as eight or ten years old.

The initiative also stressed that girls and women who report such incidents or call for help should not be blamed.

“I Saw Harassment” was launched during last November's holiday celebrations to counter sexual abuse and monitor violations through forming rescue teams to address them on the spot.

The initiative announced that it receives reports of assault via their hotline at 01150118822 or through their Facebook and Twitter pages, adding that it accepts new volunteers.

The volunteer-based group also stated that it would be present in downtown Cairo in attempts to combat the harassment phenomenon.

The initiative has a team that patrols the streets to keep an eye on harassers and provide victims with free legal and emotional support, maintaining the rights of women to enjoy safe streets.