The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) recorded a more than 40-fold increase in such cases since 2016. The greatest increase occurred in 2020 with 659 cases as of October.
By
YOESEP BUDIANTO
·4 minutes read
The Indonesian public is growing anxious about the spread of online gender-based violence against women. The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) recorded a more than 40-fold increase in such cases since 2016. The greatest increase occurred in 2020 with 659 cases as of October.
Most of the violence that target women in online media are threats to distribute personal photos or videos and the spreading of illegal content.
The results of the Kompas poll on 10-12 Dec. 2020 found that 6 out of 10 respondents were concerned about online threats and violence that targeted women. Apart from the increasing number of cases, the effects of the violence and the non-optimal efforts to protect women have contributed to the growing anxiety.
Komnas Perempuan recorded the largest increase in threats and intimidation in connections with the distribution of intimate photos and videos. The commission had difficulty identifying or locating referral institutions that focused on online gender-based violence, and instead found that most service institutions lacked the capacity to tackle the issue.
The impact of online violence on women is no less damaging than direct abuse or physical violence. When this happens online, women feel helpless and confused because they have often not met the perpetrators in person.
Survivors of online violence against women can also experience psychological impacts. Socially, are potentially vulnerable to isolation, especially when their families or those closest to them are exposed to intimate or pornographic posts about the victims.
Independent anticipation
The rise in cases of online violence against women is a wake-up call for many parties, including women, to avoid becoming victims. The ways for anticipating potential attacks vary.
The results of the Kompas poll revealed that 41.4 percent of respondents considered that protecting their privacy on their personal social media accounts was a viable way to prevent online gender-based violence. Women are generally lax about protecting their online privacy, because they often ask for others to help them operate their digital devices.
The 2019 Google research report, "Toward Gender Equity Online", found that 62 percent of women ask others’ help to use their devices, while only 36 percent of men asked for help with their devices. It is important for women to master the use of technology to surf the net and to be active on social media.
Another preventive measure is to avoid providing personal data through unknown applications or sites, such as those connected with online quizzes or advertisements (17.2 percent). Regularly checking the data on personal accounts on mobile or website/desktop applications is also an option (11.8 percent).
Women need to become familiar with the patterns and methods of online gender-based violence. The Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet) has identified six categories of online violence: violation of privacy, surveillance and control, damaging or destroying a user’s reputation, harassment, threats and direct violence, and attacks that target specific communities. All of these activities are intended to steal personal information or to hack certain applications and websites.
The SAFEnet study also disclosed at least three groups of women who were most at risk of exposure to online violence. The first group consists of women in a personal relationship. The second group consists of female professionals and other women who are involved in public affairs, such as activists, journalists, writers, researchers, musicians and actresses. The third group consists of survivors and victims of physical violence.
In response to this growing issue, the government needs to urgently establish a system of protection that involves management and regulatory support. In terms of management support, policies to be developed can include strengthening public services and institutions that address online gender-based violence (GBV), such as through a GBV police unit in the National Police.
Strengthening this aspect of law enforcement is necessary, because the Kompas poll, found that the majority of respondents (33.9 percent) said they would report acts of online violence to the police.
The Women\'s Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry can also increase the women-friendly services it provides to address complaints from the public, which could become a place to report and tell their stories without fear, shame, or worry.
In terms of strengthening regulatory support, legal protection must be provided. Without this, any woman could be a potential victim of online gender-based violence harassment.
An earlier initiative started drafting the Elimination of Sexual Violence Bill. Although the draft law was listed the 2016 Priority National Legislation Program (Prolegnas), the bill returned to its initial phase and was removed from the 2020 Priority Prolegnas. Without state protection, violence against women will continue to occur. (KOMPAS R&D)