'Women should stand up against domestic violence'
All over the world International Women's Day is being commemorated today to raise the issue of HIV/AIDS, which is increasingly affecting women and girls, as the social impact on them is greater -- they assume the burden of care when family members are affected by the virus, not to mention that more young women are now living with HIV/AIDS. Violence against women, both a cause and a consequence of the spread of HIV/AIDS, has worsened. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents on the issue of domestic violence which most women still suffer in silence.
Sarasdewi, 20, is a state university student in Depok and also an education activist. She lives in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta:
I think domestic violence is the worst form of violence against women, as most victims are wives abused by their husbands. Violence against women is part of our culture which is dominated by machismo and chauvinism.
Most women, especially in rural areas, think that it is normal to receive bad treatment from their husbands for not doing things correctly. This is something that we must change.
However, it is difficult to determine who is to blame in this case. The most important thing is that both husband and wife should realize their position and respect one another in a marriage.
To end the culture of domestic violence, women should stand up for their rights and dare to say no and must report the abusers to the authorities or to others who can help them.
Gani Salim, 30, works at a publishing company in Palmerah, West Jakarta. He lives in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta:
We live in a violent world, not only against women and girls, but also men, adults and children. We should also note that the perpetrators of violence are not always men.
We often hear cases of children who have died as a result of abuse by their mothers or domestic helpers who suffer due to the uncontrolled anger of women employers.
I have observed that more women, including domestic helpers, have now realized their rights and, therefore, are putting up a fight against discrimination and violence.
--The Jakarta Post