He made the statement at the "National Police's Women and Children Services Unit Experience and Challenges in Handling Violence Against Women" event in Jakarta on Monday.
"Among the various types of cases of violence against women reported to the police, domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, and pornography cases dominate," he informed.
According to him, cases of violence against women reported to and handled by Polri have declined in the past three years. "However, we still need to be aware that the reported number does not necessarily reflect the actual number in society," he added.
Victims may not report violence against them because they feel embarrassed, disgraced, or afraid of the perpetrators, he said.
Other reasons why victims may not report violence include close relations with the perpetrators or the perpetrators having high-power relations, he added.
He noted that since the Law on Sexual Violence Crime (TPKS Law) was ratified in May 2022, the police have handled many cases of sexual violence, and several cases have undergone trial with judges issuing sentences.
Puro said that the TPKS Law is the state's new breakthrough for protecting women. The law has become a comprehensive legal basis for the community and law enforcers, he added.
"The content is very comprehensive, including a classification of nine types of sexual crimes, along with ten other crimes that are declared as sexual violence crimes," he added.
The law regulates procedural law that upholds human rights and avoids the revictimization of victims. It also regulates restitution as compensation for victims that has to be borne by perpetrators and prohibits settlement outside the legal process.
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Translator: Anita Permata, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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