Encouraging Victims to Speak Up, Public Relations Students Hold a Webinar on Sexual Violence

Public Relations students at UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta organized a webinar on sexual violence last Saturday (4/6/2022). By addressing the theme "We Talk, We Together: Enhance Achievement, Stop Sexual Harassment," it is hoped that victims can speak up and receive appropriate treatment.

The webinar featured speakers who are involved in the prevention and handling of sexual harassment. The first speaker was Mutiara Ika Pratiwi, Chairperson of the Mahardika Women's Organization. The second speaker, Hayinah Ipmawati, is a graduate of the Master of Psychology program at UGM.

This event is part of the final assignment for the Public Relations Campaign course. The frequent cases of sexual harassment in the university environment were the background for choosing this theme.

"I hope this event will not only be a final assignment but can be followed up in the future as a platform for students," said Dewi Novianti, Chair of the Public Relations Program.

In this webinar, Ika discussed various cases that occur in universities along with an understanding of the Sexual Violence Eradication Law (UU TPKS). According to her, this regulation is a real step to break the chain of sexual violence. It includes encouragement to immediately form a task force for the prevention and handling of sexual violence cases.

"Through the Sexual Violence Eradication Law, victims do not have to report directly to the police. They can easily report their story to a counselor. We need to gain the trust of victims so that they dare to speak up," explained Ika.

Hayin discussed the psychological impact felt by victims and the reasons why they do not dare to speak up about the cases they have experienced. "Reporting or not should be with the consent of the victim. It is also important to know the characteristics of the perpetrator because we also need to protect ourselves," she said.

Hayin also revealed the results of a public coalition room survey conducted in 2019 involving around 60,000 people. The survey mentioned that 18% of people who experienced sexual violence were wearing skirts and long pants, 17% were wearing headscarves, 16% were wearing long shirts, 14% were wearing loose clothing, and 14% were wearing school uniforms. This survey shows that in cases of sexual violence, the fault lies with the perpetrator.

The committee hopes that this event can serve as a platform for students to create a healthy, safe, and comfortable campus environment in the academic process to enhance student achievement. Therefore, the public needs to be more concerned about various cases of sexual violence that occur. (Ajeng Adelista N. P.)