Amelia: Preventing Violence Against Women Must Begin with Awareness

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Amelia Anggraini, a member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has asserted that the prevention of violence against women and children must begin with the cultivation of public awareness, in addition to regulation and law enforcement.

“Violence against women and children is not a private matter, not a family shame, and not something that should be hidden,” Amelia stated in Jakarta on Saturday.

According to her, various sectors—ranging from arts, film, and public discussion to education, advocacy, and community strengthening—need to be part of a collective movement to break the cycle of violence.

Amelia noted that violence against women and children remains a persistent issue within society. Such violence does not always leave physical wounds, as many victims live in fear, psychological pressure, threats, control, and sexual violence occurring within private spaces.

Furthermore, violence can take the form of psychological abuse, such as insults, intimidation, threats, excessive control, social isolation, and actions that induce fear and a loss of self-confidence in victims.

Amelia added that there is also economic violence, such as the neglect of family needs, prohibiting a partner from working, or the seizure of financial resources to control a victim.

“All forms of violence are unjustifiable and carry legal consequences,” she said.

In 2023, more than 28,000 cases of violence against women and over 24,000 cases of violence against children were recorded. However, she noted that these figures could potentially be higher because many victims do not yet feel brave enough to report the incidents.

“Therefore, we must not only focus on punishing perpetrators but also ensure that victims receive proper protection, assistance, and recovery,” she said.

She noted that the Sexual Violence Crimes Law (UU TPKS) affirms the rights of victims to receive handling, protection, assistance, recovery, restitution, and access to justice. Meanwhile, the Domestic Violence Law (UU PKDRT) emphasises that domestic violence is not a domestic issue that can be ignored, but rather a criminal act that must be prevented and prosecuted.

“Stopping violence is not just the responsibility of the victims. It is our shared responsibility,” she concluded.