Eradicating Sexual Violence through Digital Technology Literacy (Sebagai Juara 2 Essai Internasional Tema Literasi Digital)

 

(Sumber: Unsplash)

Eradicating Sexual Violence through Digital Technology Literacy

By Dian Asmi Setoningsih

Sebagai Juara 2 Essai Internasional Tema Literasi Digital

Dibukukan dalam buku berjudul Literasi Digital

The rise of cases of sexual harassment in Indonesia from 2021 to 2022 has caused women to lose their sense of security, both in the domestic sphere and in the public space. This is because these cases occurred in places that have been considered safe, such as universities, schools, and Islamic boarding schools, to the family environment. The victims also varied, ranging from students, employees, neighbors, wives, and younger siblings to people with disabilities.

The increased use of digital technology and the internet has contributed significantly to the increase in sexual violence against women. Based on the results of the 2021 KPPPA National Life Experience Survey (SNPHAR), the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (Kemen PPPA), in Indonesia, 66.6% of boys and 62.3% of girls have viewed pornographic through online platforms. The use of the internet without adequate digital literacy skills can cause people to become addicted to the internet and can lead to changes in aggressive behavior such as bullying and sexual harassment.

Digital literacy is a big challenge for the government. Advances in information technology require users to have digital literacy skills to distinguish between true and false information, respond to content wisely, and be able to use digital devices, not easily provoked by emotions before understanding the intent of the news let alone spreading certain news before verifying its authenticity and accuracy.

Technology vs Sexual Violence

The National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) published 2021 Annual Records (CATAHU) of cases of violence against women which are collected from various community organizations and government institutions in almost all provinces in Indonesia. In the survey findings, Komnas Perempuan stated that there was a significant decrease in the number of cases collected in CATAHU 2021. A total of 299,911 cases were reported in 2020, a decrease of 31% from 431,471 cases in 2019. This dramatic decrease in case data better reflects the poorer ability to document the actual state of violence against women during the pandemic which is likely to increase.

Ironically, in contrast to the data above, sexual violence, which is recognized globally as a significant human rights problem, has likewise changed in the digital age. With easy access to information on various social media, cases of sexual violence are often disclosed to the public by making them viral so that these cases get sympathy from the community and are handled by the authorities. However, this method is not recommended if the victim does not have legal assistance as well as moral support. This viral video can exacerbate the psychological impact of victims of sexual violence.

The first action that must be taken by family, friends, or the community when they find a case of sexual violence befalling a victim is to contact an assistance agency. This is because the main focus is on providing recovery to victims physically and psychologically. After that, the victim will be given professional legal assistance. The public can submit reports of cases of sexual violence through the Call Center for Friends of Women and Children owned by the PPPA Ministry, namely SAPA129, or the Whatsapp hotline 08211-129-129.

The Role of Digital Literacy in the Prevention of Sexual Violence Cases

Even though digital progress has brought many conveniences to life, people still need to be aware of the negative impacts that are on vulnerable women and children, such as online violence, pornography, and cyber crimes. The consequences that may arise from the low literacy of women, especially mothers, can result in children being addicted to gadgets and exploring information for adults. The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) noted that in 2017-2019 complaints of pornography and online crimes against children increased to reach 1,940 cases. The Ministry of PPPA stated that women and children must be given an adequate understanding of digital literacy by providing basic lessons on technology use critically, ethically & safely. This will encourage them to protect themselves, be brave, wise, and media savvy, especially when they witness, encounter or even experience sexual harassment. Of course, this must be supported by all levels of society, including the government. That way, a friendly space will be created for women to raise their voices.

 

Profil Penulis

     Dian Asmi Setoningsih is a highly motivated educator and learner in enhancing her professional development and leadership competencies. This 29-year-old woman pursues her goals to stay active in sharing her voice by writing in several Indonesian news media such as Koran Sindo, Kompas Indonesia & Kopi Times Indonesia, or by joining essay and article contests. She is a teacher in a leading International Islamic school called Thursina IIBS Malang. She loves teaching and writing. She would love to keep learning & upgrading herself to be a better teacher, writer & lifelong learner.