Building a healthy relationship is not an easy task. It provides space for mutual growth, trust, and support. On the other hand, being trapped in an unhealthy or toxic relationship can have adverse effects, such as low self-esteem, depression, and social isolation.
Therefore, recognizing the signs of toxic relationships is crucial.
“Toxic relationships have clear signs: feelings of guilt, unresolved conflicts, and a loss of independence,” said Dr. Restu Tri Handoyo, a clinical psychologist from the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, during a seminar titled “Toxic No More: Building Relationships Without Scars” held on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.
According to Dr. Handoyo, healthy relationships significantly contribute to mental well-being, offering emotional support, promoting personal growth, and fostering happiness.
“Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, support, and balance,” he emphasized.
Dr. Ratna Noviani, a lecturer and researcher in Cultural and Media Studies at UGM’s Graduate School, warned about the traps of toxic relationships often perpetuated through social media.
As she noted, the media frequently romanticizes toxic relationships, especially manipulation.
“We must recognize violence on social media, such as doxing and dominance practices. It’s essential to enhance digital literacy to avoid the traps of unhealthy relationships that often emerge in the virtual world,” she explained.
Livia Iskandar, Director of Pulih Foundation, shared alarming statistics: one in four Indonesian women has experienced sexual violence.
Most victims do not report these incidents due to victim-blaming, perpetrators being close acquaintances, or threats from the perpetrators.
In response to this issue, Iskandar urged all parties to empower women who have experienced violence by providing psychological, medical, and legal support.
The seminar, organized by the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Task Force (Satgas PPKS) of Universitas Gadjah Mada in collaboration with the Institut Français Indonesia (IFI) Yogyakarta and UGM’s Integrated Health Services Bureau (BPKT), aimed to raise awareness and offer support to victims of violence.
Additionally, it encouraged the community to foster empathy, empowerment, and a violence-free society by reminding everyone that no one walks alone.
Author: Lintang
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photo: Freepik
Post-editor: Lintang