Some valuable tips for rape victims
JAKARTA (JP): According to Jakarta's Legal Aid Foundation, there are several reasons why rape victims and their families don't report their cases to the police.
Some of the reasons cited include fear of being exposed in the newspapers, feeling too ashamed to report to male policemen, who might insult female victims, and not wanting to ruin one's family name. For others the reason is simply that they do not know how and where to report.
Below are several tips from the Kalyanamitra Center for Women's Information and Communication:
The center suggests that victims not wash or clean their bodies of any evidence that might be useful in court.
All clothing and accessories worn by the victim and all items left by the rapist should be collected and saved in a plastic or paper bag for evidence.
The victim should immediately seek medical help from a physician at a clinic or hospital. The victim should then ask the doctor for a letter detailing his/her physical condition and any traces of penetration such as semen in the vagina, anus or victim's mouth. Bruises in the groin or other areas should also be noted. However, the doctor's role is limited and judgment of rape should be left to the court.
Most victims report their cases to the police before seeing a doctor, which can result in the loss of valuable time as the lifespan of sperm is only five hours. If one goes to the police first, the police will issue a letter requesting a visum et repertum, which is a medical report issued in cases of violent crime. Once completed by the doctor, the visum et repertum is considered strong evidence in court.
Those who go to a doctor before reporting to the police will be given a non-official condition report and not a visum et repertum. Technically, however, both are admissible as evidence.
Confidence
Usually a victim needs someone to talk to, be it a friend, parent, relative or social worker. It is important that the person be willing to listen and not pass judgment. It is also a good idea if the person accompanies the victim to the police or doctor.
The confidant should understand that rape is not the victim's fault and respect the victim's decision. If the victim decides not to take the case to court, she should be let to do so. Any wish not to keep silent should also be respected.
All steps should be taken by the victim alone.
Below are addresses of organizations in several regions of Indonesia which can be contacted in case of rape:
Association of Indonesian Women for Justice, Jl. Palmerah Utara III no. 9 West Jakarta, Ph. 532-4241, Kalyanamitra Jl. Sebret no. 10A, Jatipadang, Pasar Minggu, Jakarta 12540, Ph: 780- 6683,Forum Limbago Mudo Padang, Jl. M.H. Thamrin no. 91 Padang 25122, West Sumatra, Ph: 0751-34101, Manado Women's Rights Advocation Organization Jl. Achmad Yani 24 no. 1, Manado, North Sulawesi, Ph: 0431-63951, Bandung's Legal Aid Foundation Jl. Anyer 16, Bandung 40272, Ph: 022-775486, Jayapura's Legal Aid Foundation Jl. Gerilyawan no. 46 Abepura, Jayapura, Ph: 0967- 81710, Surabaya's Legal Aid Foundation Jl. Kidal no. 6 Surabaya 60131, Ph: 031-512273, Rifka Annisa Women's Crisis Center Terban Blimbingan GK V no. 27 Yogyakarta, Ph: 0274-514521. (als)