DWP North Sumatra Urges Women to Courageously Report Domestic Violence

North Sumatra’s Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) called on women to speak out bravely and not remain silent against acts of violence that occur in their surroundings, to strengthen prevention and handling of domestic violence in families.

‘We encourage women to speak out bravely, and not to remain silent against acts of violence in their surroundings,’ said Titiek Sugiharti, Advisor to the DWP Province of North Sumatra, at the Socialisation on Prevention and Handling of Domestic Violence in the DWP Provincial Hall, Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro Medan, on Wednesday. She stressed that the home should be the safest, most comfortable, and most loving place for all family members.

However, she acknowledged that there are still many cases of domestic conflict that end in violence in North Sumatra.

Of those cases, 1,360 victims or 68.8 per cent are children, comprising 905 girls and 455 boys. The remainder, 615 victims, are adult women.

Titiek said domestic violence must be prevented and halted through the courage to report and by raising public awareness. ‘DV is a phenomenon that we must stop together. Through this momentum I emphasise the importance of educating oneself if one sees or experiences it,’ she said.

According to her, a safe space is needed to listen, provide support, and direct victims to appropriate handling through synergy with relevant agencies.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of DWP North Sumatra, Evi Novida Ginting, said that domestic violence cases are often like an iceberg — many occur yet not all are disclosed. She attributed this to the belief that household problems are a shame not fit to be discussed. ‘Through the theme ’Dare to Report, Dare to Save’, DWP Sumut aims to build collective awareness so that women no longer remain silent about DV around them,’ she said.