UGM Rector Prof. Ova Emilia has affirmed the University’s stance to take a zero-tolerance approach to violence, especially sexual harassment and violence. The anti-violence campus campaign will kick off online at the annual student community service briefing on Saturday (11/6) and will target all campus members.
“Globally, universities are the second most common place for sexual violence,” said Ova, Thursday (9/6).
According to Ova, UGM has made several efforts to handle sexual violence on campus since 2019. UGM issued Rector’s Regulation Number 1 of 2020 on Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence by the UGM Community on 24 January 2020, a year before Ministerial Regulation Number 30 of 2021 on Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in Higher Education Institutions was made effective.
UGM has organized literacy, skills, and SOP workshops on sexual violence prevention and handling, including an introduction to its legal aspects, for students, lecturers, and staff. There is also a dedicated Integrated Service Unit for sexual harassment and violence contactable whenever a case occurs.
Recently, the University has also established a Crisis Center on its official website, which allows the UGM community to find information and a list of hotlines and links to file reports or complaints or get support regarding the acts of violence they have experienced.
“We have set up a Crisis Center on our website where students can report from anywhere. In the event of an emergency, we hope this system will help us better anticipate and deal with the situation. That way, we can create a campus environment that is safe and free from all forms of violence,” said Ova.
Head of Health Promoting University (HPU), Prof. Yayi Suryo Prabandari, added that in 2019 UGM had declared itself a physically, mentally, and socially healthy campus. This initiative includes literacy and the promotion of zero tolerance for violence, bullying, and harassment, healthy diets, physical activity, mental health, reproductive health, and a safe and inclusive environment for people with disabilities.
Director of Community Service Prof. Irfan D. Prijambada said that this year, UGM would dispatch 6,250 students to 28 provinces, 85 regencies, and 197 districts across the country on 25 June. He also talked about the Crisis Center of the Community Service Program that had existed since the program’s establishment.
“This Crisis Center is for emergencies during the program,” said Irfan.
Author: Satria-Ika