A member of the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan), Siti Aminah Tardi, made the remarks here on Tuesday in relation to the commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day, which is observed every March 21.
"The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection should involve disability organizations, especially (those working with people who have) Down Syndrome, in the acceleration of the drafting of the implementing (derivative) regulations of the TPKS law," she stated.
She urged the ministry to expand education among the public and families regarding gender equality and justice, which are linked to the rights of people with disabilities, especially women with Down Syndrome.
This has been deemed essential considering that there are still many cases of sexual violence faced by women with Down Syndrome, and in the resolution of those cases, the victims are often at a disadvantage.
The Komnas Perempuan Annual Record shows that 312 cases of sexual violence were resolved through mediation outside the court this year.
Then, 242 cases/lawsuits were canceled and the processing of 383 cases at service institutions was stopped by the victims.
The commission said that out-of-court resolutions have involved making peace by accepting compensation, customary fines, and making victims marry their perpetrators.
Making sexual violence victims marry their perpetrators is a form of forced marriage, which is regulated by the TPKS law and carries a maximum penalty of 9 years or a fine of Rp200 million, Tardi said.
Referring to out-of-court resolution, she said that the women victims, especially those with disabilities, are not involved during such negotiations and are represented by their parents or family members.
"They are deemed unfit to face legal disputes because of their disabilities, and their testimony is (considered) unreliable," she explained.
At the commemoration of 2023 World Down Syndrome Day, Komnas Perempuan urged the state to ensure the availability of companions for victims who they are familiar with and approve of.
"The TPKS law has guaranteed the right to assistance for victims with disabilities and that their statements have the same legal power as non-disabled witnesses' or victims'," she said.
Related news: Govt must ensure rights of children with Down Syndrome: KPAI
Related news: Commission seeks meaningful involvement of women with Down Syndrome
Translator: Anita Permata, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
