Violence against women on the rice

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