National Human Rights Commission urges strengthening of services for victims of sexual violence and state restitution
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights, Anis Hidayah, is urging the strengthening of protection and recovery services for victims of sexual violence, starting with the provision of safe houses, psychological support, and access to restitution or compensation guaranteed by the state.
In a discussion with Fatayat Nahdlatul Ulama in Blitar Regency, East Java, which was followed online from Jakarta on Saturday, Anis said that many victims of sexual violence still find it difficult to obtain justice due to limited services in the regions and the lack of a strong perspective among law enforcement officials in handling cases of sexual violence.
“Victims must be ensured access to safe houses, complaint assistance, clinical psychologist services, and decent accommodation,” said Anis.
She explained that victims of sexual violence have the right to receive restitution from the initial stages of the legal process through the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK).
This restitution is a form of state responsibility for the losses suffered by victims, although it cannot fully replace the psychological impact caused.
“Every victim of sexual violence has the right to receive restitution or compensation,” she said.
Anis highlighted the inequality of services in various regions, including the uneven distribution of Regional Technical Implementation Units for Women and Children’s Protection (UPTD PPA), safe houses, and clinical psychologists. This condition often impacts the speed of case handling at the legal level.
In addition, she also highlighted that there are still victims of sexual violence who are reluctant to report because they are afraid of being criminalised or experiencing pressure from perpetrators who have power relations, whether in educational environments, workplaces, or other institutions.
For this reason, the National Human Rights Commission is encouraging strengthened coordination between law enforcement officials, local governments, LPSK, and women’s service agencies so that victims receive comprehensive protection.
Anis also asked law enforcement officials to maximise the use of various pieces of evidence in cases of sexual violence, including digital evidence and clinical psychological testimony.
“Chat logs and other forms of communication with the perpetrator can also be used as evidence,” she said.
Anis added that Indonesia can learn from several countries, such as the Philippines and the United Kingdom, in managing compensation funds for victims of sexual violence to strengthen the victim recovery system.