Violence against women on the rice

JAKARTA: There has been an increase of abuse cases against women and children this year, the Jakarta Association of Indonesian Women for Justice said on Sunday.

Deputy chairwoman Asnifriyanti Damanik said the association recorded 416 cases of abuse in the first five months this year, a increase compared with the 675 cases reported in last year and 471 in 2002.

"The crimes take the forms of physical, psychological, sexual abuse and also the violation to women's rights to have access to family finances or employment. Most of the victims of sexual abuse are young girls," Asnifriyanti said.

She said the existing laws had yet to provide better protection for women, as they still required a high burden of proof before perpetrators of abuse could stand trial.

"Real commitment from the government, law enforcement officers and the public is needed to eradicate these crimes," Asnifriyanti said. -- Antara