Women's crisis center<\/p>\n
In various recent happenings, mainly since security forces
\ntook repressive measures against reform activists on student
\ncampuses and other places, social, economic and political impacts
\nof a detrimental nature have been strongly felt in the marginal
\ncommunity. This was apparent when riots occurred at a number of
\nplaces and various acts of violence were committed against people
\nand property in the form of shootings, burnings, extortion,
\nlooting, torture and even various forms of physical and sexual
\nviolence against women.<\/p>\n
In Medan, 20 Teachers' Training College students have filed
\nreports declaring themselves victims of sexual harassment
\nconducted by police when the girls were leaving their campus to
\nlook for public transportation on May 4. They were subjected to
\nhighly improper treatment. They were undressed, forced to run and
\ndo pushups. Their breasts were pawed. People heard about this and
\nfelt angered and insulted.<\/p>\n
In Jakarta, it was reported that various forms of violence and
\nsexual harassment had taken place during the Trisakti May 12
\nincident.<\/p>\n
Again, other extremely serious incidents occurred during
\nvarious riots between May 13 and May 15 in Jakarta and its
\nperipheral areas. A number of ethnic Chinese women were stripped
\nof their clothes by a group of people and forced to swim in a
\npond in the Daan Mogot area. Rape reportedly took place publicly
\nat Glodok. There were many more sexual harassment cases against
\nethnic Chinese women in residential areas.<\/p>\n
The above-mentioned facts show an increase in the intensity of
\nviolence against women, which renders the position of women
\nsusceptible, both in various small groups in the community and in
\npublic places with the involvement of the state apparatus.<\/p>\n
Article 2 of the UN Declaration on the Abolishment of Violence
\nagainst Women states that violence against women includes
\nphysical, sexual and psychological acts of violence which are
\ncommitted\/justified by the State wherever they happen.
\nFurthermore, as a consequence, it has been determined in the same
\ndeclaration that the State shall continuously endeavor to
\nprevent, investigate and in accordance with national legislation,
\npunish the perpetrators of violence against women, both committed
\nby the State and by individuals (article 4).<\/p>\n
With regard to the above, the Women's Crisis Center, Mitra
\nPerempuan:<\/p>\n
1. condemns various acts of physical, sexual and psychological
\nviolence against women committed by anyone, including the state
\napparatus, as barbarous and inhuman acts in violation of women's
\ndignity;<\/p>\n
2. demands a thorough settlement of the various acts of violence
\nagainst women committed by the state apparatus or irresponsible
\npeople;<\/p>\n
3. urges the victims and other community members not to leave the
\nmatter unsolved, and invites all people to be equally concerned
\nabout the suffering of the victims, to reinforce protection and
\nto build a more just and egalitarian appreciation of women's
\ndignity.<\/p>\n
In fact, the struggle for reform also covers demands for a
\nchange of social values, which have so far denied the existence
\nof women's rights as an integral part of the respect for human
\nvalues and basic rights. Women are entitled to live free from all
\nkinds of fear and all threatening actions.<\/p>\n
The Women's Crisis Center Mitra Perempuan is in a position to
\nreceive complaints from victims of violence with personal
\nconsultations. Privacy is guaranteed, including the identity of
\nthe person and the information related to each case.<\/p>\n
The address to contact: P.O. Box 4113 JKTJ, Jakarta 13041 or
\nTelephone\/Facsimile (021) 8298421.<\/p>\n
RITA SERENA KOLIBONSO<\/p>\n
Executive Director<\/p>\n
Women's Crisis Center<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/womens-crisis-center-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }