"I remind the training participants to make the best use of this opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the principles of handling sexual violence cases, especially regarding the application of Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Crimes of Sexual Violence," the minister stated during a training for front guard police in Bali and Lombok, as quoted from a statement received here, Tuesday.
Puspayoga drew a parallel between the number of cases of violence and the iceberg phenomenon wherein the actual number of incidents was far higher than what had been reported.
"This is because victims are reluctant to report. They cannot report because they are threatened or even do not realize that what is being done to them is considered violence because it is normalized by the people around them," she pointed out.
According to Puspayoga, the effort to strengthen the police's capacity in handling cases of violence will increase public confidence to have the courage to report and prevent re-victimization of victims.
The important role of the police, as the frontline in handling cases of violence against women and children, is the key to solving cases of sexual violence in a quick, accurate, and thorough manner, she emphasized.
The minister noted that this step is expected to provide justice to victims and fulfill the rights of victims as well as serve as a deterrent effect for perpetrators.
"Currently, there are many sexual violence cases that have not been resolved or ended in peace," she stated.
The minister expressed hope that with an understanding of the implementation of the sexual violence crime law (UU TPKS), the police can promote comprehensive protection from upstream to downstream for survivors of violence and the victims.
The Online Information System for the Protection of Women and Children (SIMFONI PPA) in 2022 recorded 179 cases of violence in Bali, with a total of 29 cases of sexual violence.
Meanwhile, 165 cases were recorded on Lombok Island, with 38 of them being cases of sexual violence.
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Translator: Anita Permata Dewi, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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