Ending the Cycle of Violence: Understanding Domestic Violence, Your Rights, and How to Report It

Domestic violence is not merely a “family matter to be resolved privately.” Domestic violence is a criminal offense—which means there are laws that protect victims and punish perpetrators. Indonesia has had a specific law on this since 2004.

What constitutes DV?

DV is not just physical violence. Law No. 23 of 2004 recognizes four forms:

1. Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, kicking, or other actions that cause pain or injury to the body.
2. Psychological abuse: Threats, insults, intimidation, or behavior that makes the victim feel afraid, insecure, or powerless.
3. Sexual abuse: Forcing a partner or family member to engage in unwanted sexual intercourse or acts.
4. Neglect: Failing to provide financial support, failing to care for, or leaving a family member without basic necessities, despite having a legal obligation to do so.

The law provides protection to everyone living in the same household—not just husbands and wives, but also children, other family members, and domestic workers living in the home.

Domestic violence often occurs within the home without witnesses. In domestic violence cases, where eyewitnesses are often scarce because the incidents typically occur in private spaces, Article 55 of the Domestic Violence Act provides a legal exception: the victim’s testimony alone is sufficient to prove the defendant’s guilt, provided it is supported by at least one other valid piece of evidence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, here are the concrete steps guaranteed by law:

1. Obtaining Immediate Protection: Pursuant to Article 16 of the Domestic Violence Act, within no later than 24 hours after receiving a report, the relevant authorities or the police must provide temporary protection to the victim prior to the issuance of a protection order by the court.
2. Medical Examination and Medical Report: Get a medical examination at a hospital. The medical report will serve as very strong documentary evidence in court.
3. ⁠Report to the Women and Children’s Services Unit: Go to the nearest police station and look for the Women and Children’s Services Unit. At this unit, the victim will receive specialized support from experts.

Indonesian law stands with the victim. One small step—whether it’s making a phone call, confiding in a trusted person, or simply reading this article—can be the start of a much greater change.