Indriani, Mecca Yumna, Jakarta – The Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry has said that an understanding of the law on sexual violence needs to be built among the general public in order to assist victims.

"The public needs to understand this law, and is expected to be able to assist the victims so they have the courage to speak (up) about the violence that befell them," Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga said during an event hosted by the Indonesian Women's Congress here on Friday.

The ministry has also launched the SAPA 129 (Sahabat Perempuan dan Anak or Women and Children's Friend) service to allow women and children to report cases of violence. Such reports can also be made via WhatsApp on the number +628111129129.

At the event, Minister Puspayoga said the passing of Law Number 12 of 2022 on sexual violence is a form of the state's attention to victims, as the law establishes a legal basis for protection against violence and discrimination. It is also a way to assure people that victims would have their rights fulfilled and be assisted in their recovery process.

"The sexual violence law binds every Indonesian citizen. Thus, I expect that the law can be taken in a comprehensive manner by all women organizations and others," the minister said.

She described the law as lex specialis, which could provide comprehensive protection to sexual violence victims, from the start until the end.

The event on Friday was attended by organizations registered as members of the Indonesian Women's Congress. Chairperson of the Indonesian Women's Congress, Dr. Giwo Rubianto Wiyogo, said that the immediate implementation of the sexual violence law is highly necessary.

The members of the Indonesian Women's Congress are constantly educating people about the law, she added. They are also advocating the law and assisting the law enforcement apparatus.

"The protection for women and children is not just the government's task, but also ours as a whole," she said.

Source: https://en.antaranews.com/news/240845/need-to-educate-people-about-sexual-violence-law-ministr