The National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has highlighted that every hour, at least three women in Indonesia become victims of domestic violence.

Domestic violence remains a persistent issue in Indonesia, with an alarming rate of cases going unreported. Despite perceptions of homes being the safest havens for women, these statistics indicate a stark contrast.

According to Andy Yentriyani, Chairperson of Komnas Perempuan, since the body began its annual record in 2001, at least three women experience domestic violence in their homes every hour. Furthermore, for every two hours, five married women suffer from this abuse.

The sad reality, Yentriyani states, is that the figures for domestic violence surpass that of violence in other settings. This comes as a surprise, especially when many believe that women are safest at home, even with street violence and workplace harassment being prevalent issues.

Underreporting of these cases is due to various reasons: shame, uncertainty about where to report, and advice from close relatives to persevere and be patient.

Yentriyani emphasizes that while patience is valuable, the victims should never be forgotten. They require assistance and rehabilitation, as outlined in the Domestic Violence Eradication Act (UU PKDRT). Without these reports, domestic violence will persist, condemning women to repeated cycles of abuse.

On the same note, Bintang Puspayoga, Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, has introduced the Sahabat Perempuan and Anak (SAPA) 129 service. Integrated across all 34 provinces in Indonesia, it offers a platform for victims and witnesses of domestic violence to report incidents. SAPA 129 can be accessed via a hotline, WhatsApp, or its mobile app.

These statistics shed light on the stark realities faced by many Indonesian women. It signifies the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing women’s safety issues, and how civil society and governments can come together to ensure the protection of women’s rights and their well-being.

Komnas Perempuan reveals that three Indonesian women face domestic violence every hour. With a large number of cases going unreported, Andy Yentriyani and Bintang Puspayoga emphasize the need for immediate intervention, awareness, and easy reporting methods to counteract this grave issue.

Source : Batam Pos, Antara News (2023)