Millions of girls are not in school today, either due to poverty or natural disasters, discrimination and violence, or a lack of educational access. Girls were also absent from school for nearly two years as a result of the pandemic. In fact, these young ladies have hopes and dreams of being free and receiving a good education. They are eager to learn, grow, work, and give back to their families and communities. They are, however, frequently treated as second-class citizens. In many countries, girls are easily exploited, abused, or simply ignored. Violence disproportionately affects women and girls from lower-middle-income countries. Furthermore, the majority of women and girls are enslaved by conservative communities and values. Besides, it is estimated that 37% of women in the poorest and most conservative countries have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from their inner circle, including partners, parents or even teachers.
Violence against women and girls has increased significantly in Indonesia over the last three years. It began in 2019, with a total of 11,057 cases of violence against women and children, and then increased slightly to 11,279 cases in 2020. Similarly, it peaked at 12,566 cases until the end of 2021. This statistic is rising as a result of the pandemic situation. One of the shocking incidents that have recently piqued the interest of Indonesians occurred in a boarding school, when a teacher who claimed and acted as a religious figure became a sexual predator for his female students. According to the current investigation, 13 girls between the ages of 13 and 16 have become victims, and nearly half of them are pregnant or have already given birth. Given that this rape activity has been going on since 2016, the number of victims could be higher than what is being investigated today.
The public then raised a big question mark: why do parents put their children’s education in the hands of a boarding school that sells religious jargon? The vivid situation in Indonesia can provide an answer to this. The majority of Indonesian parents and communities continue to hold conservative views and believe that by sending their children to boarding schools with religious values, they have fulfilled their responsibility to shape their children’s character and behavior. In fact, based on the current situation, schools are no longer a safe place for children, even if they are labeled as boarding schools with a religious curriculum. Families and parents are expected to play a significant role in the learning and teaching process; they cannot delegate responsibility to other parties or the school.
Religious jargon and conservative viewpoints on violent cases, particularly sexual assault and rape, is not a new thing. According to CPS UK, a pastor and faith leader from a church in Birmingham was convicted on 24 counts of child sexual abuse and rape in 2020. Years earlier, an Indian spiritual guru who always preached and influenced his followers to live pious lives also committed a sexual assault and raped a 16-year-old girl.
All of these shocking cases serve as a wake-up call to us that sexual abuse can occur under any circumstances and in any location, and that it can involve people we trust. Current research by University of Alberta has revealed patterns of sexual abuse in religious settings. Abusers or predators consistently use their positions, power, trust, and authority to influence girls. Those girls are pushed to remain silent and are always convinced that every circumstance they face is a result of their devotion to their faith and belief. Of course, the predators spent not only months, but also years convincing and brainwashing their victims to commit sexual violence.
Anti-Sexual Violence Bill in Indonesia: Make It Happen!
Sexual violence cases, especially those associated with religious and conservative values, are no longer about individual actions or behaviors, but rather exist within all relationship dynamics, cultural beliefs, and larger societal systems. The anti-sexual violence bill is extremely important as a solution in this situation because existing laws and regulations do not regulate the types of sexual violence (including elements of criminal acts and protected subjects) and victims’ rights to comprehensive handling, protection, and restoration. Legislators and other decision-makers must take this bill seriously so that victims are no longer treated unfairly and unequally as a result of sexual violence. Finally, it is critical to understand that the majority of sexual abuse does not occur because someone abducts or abuse girls from public places. Sexual predators are typically people who are close to their circle, extended family, teachers, or even religious leaders.
