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Add to Preferred SourcesThe nationwide survey was commissioned by Indonesia’s Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry and was carried out by the Central Statistics Agency, with assistance from UNFPA, last year.
Some 9,000 households were surveyed in 83 districts, across 24 provinces. It used a methodology designed to collect sensitive information. Enumerators were trained in gender issues and conducted the survey in one-on-one interviews. The results are the first reliable national data on this subject, ever, in the country.
The survey look at four types of violence: physical, sexual, emotional and economic. Emotional violence includes threats, humiliation, intimidation and insults. Economic violence includes not allowing a person to work or confiscating a person’s money.
The preliminary findings, released in March, revealed that two in five Indonesian women – or just over 41% – have experienced at least one of these four types of violence in her lifetime. Sixteen per cent had experienced one of these types of violence in the last year.
Over 33% of women, aged 15 to 64 years old, had experienced physical and/or sexual violence in her lifetime. This number is consistent with global figures on gender-based violence.
“The data are sobering. It shows that violence against women happens around us,” UNFPA’s representative in Indonesia, Dr. Annette Sachs Robertson.
The survey also collected information on restrictions or limitations to women’s freedom – such as being prevented from seeing friends, communicating with family, performing religious practices or seeking health care without permission.
More than 42% of women reported experiencing such restrictions.
Changes needed
A spotlight is now being shined on the supportive services required to meet the needs of survivors.
“Survivors need quality comprehensive support to break out of the cycle of violence and rebuild their lives,” said Dr. Robertson.
This includes protection, legal assistance, medical assistance and counseling, as well as empowerment programmes to give women the confidence and skills to support themselves. Awareness of gender issues and violence against women must also be raised.
Currently, some of these services are being provided by police, women’s organizations and civil society groups, including faith-based organizations. But much more is needed.