Sexual violence (SV) remains a serious issue that needs to be addressed within universities, along with bullying and intolerance.
According to data from the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, 13,156 cases of SV occurred in university settings across Indonesia in 2023.
This is alarming, as universities should provide a safe and comfortable environment for students to pursue their education.
Today, with the expanding reach of the internet, the rapid development and dissemination of information technology, and the increasing popularity of social media, new forms of SV have emerged, such as Gender-Based Online Violence (GBOV) and Non-Consensual Intimate Images Violence (NCII).
With the rise of GBOV and non-consensual intimate content among students, UGM’s Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS UGM) has continued to make prevention efforts and raise awareness.
One initiative is through a whistle-blowing service to accommodate reports from the academic community.
The Head of UGM’s Integrated Health Services Office, Dr. Andreasta Meliala, explained that the whistle-blowing service was established to accommodate reports from the academic community regarding incidents that go against UGM’s norms, policies, and values.
“The key parameter for SV is when we know of a case but do not report it. To ensure proper reporting, we first need sufficient insight and knowledge about the terminologies related to GBOV and NCII,” said Dr. Meliala during a GBOV and NCII prevention training session on Wednesday (Nov. 20) in Multimedia Room I, UGM Central Office.
Chair of Satgas PPKS UGM, Professor Raden Ajeng Yayi Suryo Prabandari, revealed that there are 21 forms of sexual violence on campus, including verbal, physical, and non-physical actions, and those involving information and communication technology.
Even catcalling, which can make someone uncomfortable, falls under the category of SV. Ironically, according to Professor Prabandari, catcallers often do not perceive their actions as wrong. Many see catcalling as mere joking or even friendliness.
“However, such actions can be the first step toward more dangerous forms of SV,” she explained.
Professor Prabandari emphasized the importance of individual prevention of SV, especially since power imbalances are often the main cause.
Firstly, do not easily trust someone you have just met or have only known for a short time. Secondly, avoid conversations that have sexual undertones whenever possible.
“We must also be assertive, confident, and, most importantly, know several ways to incapacitate an attacker and carry self-defense tools,” Professor Prabandari stated.
Elok Santi Jesica, a lecturer at UGM’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), explained the term GBOV as any form of violence carried out using digital technology, particularly the internet, social media platforms, and smart devices, targeting someone based on their gender, sex, or sexual orientation.
“In GBOV, both men and women have equal chances of becoming victims, so a safe space in social media must be created collectively, and remember, what happens online also affects offline life,” Jesica explained.
Jesica also highlighted the existence of social media platforms that apply user-generated content, allowing users to create content in the form of text, photos, videos, or reviews that are shared across multiple platforms.
If not used wisely, users may engage in oversharing in the public virtual space, which can lead to negative consequences, such as security threats.
“There is a digital footprint, and we no longer have control over the data we upload. Social media companies often easily use this data, which could result in unwanted outcomes, such as suddenly being linked to a loan or having your photos and videos used in other GBOV instances,” she explained.
Arif Nurcahyo, Head of UGM’s Security, Safety, Order, Emergency, and Environmental Office (K5L), explained why GBOV and NCII should be treated as serious crimes.
In addition to power imbalances, both forms of violence cause long-term trauma, close off future opportunities, and even pose a risk of death. He reminded individuals to protect their personal data, avoid becoming perpetrators who repost, reshare, or leave negative comments, and seek legal assistance from relevant institutions if they become victims.
“K5L focuses on rescuing victims, particularly students, who are university assets. We will provide support while coordinating with both internal and external units for resolution,” Nurcahyo explained.
A psychologist from UGM’s Center for Public Mental Health, Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, shared the impact experienced by GBOV victims. Socially, victims tend to limit or even cut off communication both online and offline, which severely restricts their mobility.
Academically, victims’ performance declines, jeopardizing their studies.
“Psychologically, some even engage in self-harm or harbor suicidal thoughts. While social media offers numerous benefits and can boost work productivity, once again, it is important to be wise and cautious in using it,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Donnie