Komnas Perempuan: Delayed Justice for Violence Victims Can Amount to Torture

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) views the delay in legal processes, or delayed justice, as a form of inhuman treatment. This practice is considered capable of prolonging the suffering of violence victims, reinforcing impunity for perpetrators, and creating conditions that enable torture. This view was conveyed during the commemoration of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and the signing of a Joint Commitment Against Torture in Jakarta on Friday. ‘The phenomenon of delay in justice is very likely to result in torture or inhuman treatment,’ said Komnas Perempuan member Sondang Frishka Simanjuntak. Sondang cited that delayed justice often occurs when reports from victims of domestic violence or sexual violence are not immediately processed or take a very long time to be handled. ‘Sometimes they have very difficult and delayed access, for example when their case report is not immediately processed, or is processed but takes a long time,’ she explained. On the same occasion, Komnas Perempuan also highlighted that torture against women is not always easily recognised because it is often disguised as procedures, customs, or even policies considered normal. ‘Torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment against women are sometimes masked by various norms or traditions and treatment so that they are considered normal,’ said Sondang. She provided a specific example of this, such as the neglect of maternity rights for female detainees. ‘For instance, violence against women in detention, such as the fulfilment of maternity rights when a female detainee is pregnant or has a child,’ she added. Coinciding with the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, which falls on 26 June, Komnas Perempuan reaffirmed the importance of the state’s commitment to preventing and eliminating all forms of torture, including gender-based torture. Furthermore, the state is urged to ensure comprehensive recovery for victims. ‘This commemoration is important considering that the practice of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment is still experienced by women, yet is often not recognised or handled effectively,’ concluded Sondang.