The Urgent Need for Data-Driven Solutions to Combat Violence Against Women and Children
The devastating reality of violence against women and children in Indonesia is underscored by chilling statistics from recent national surveys. “Data is very important for understanding the problem more deeply and designing accurate policies and programs,” emphasized Arifah Fauzi, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection.
The 2024 National Women’s Life Experience Survey (SPHPN) has unveiled a heartbreaking truth: one in four women in Indonesia have endured physical and/or sexual violence at the hands of partners or other individuals.
Further compounding this tragedy, the 2024 National Children’s and Adolescents’ Life Experience Survey (SNPHAR) reveals that 11.5 million children aged 13–17, representing 50.78 percent of this age group, have been victims of one or more forms of violence throughout their lives.
Minister Fauzi acknowledges that many cases go unreported, highlighting the need for improved data collection systems to gain a true understanding of the scope of this pervasive issue.
“With accurate data collection, we would be able to identify the problems early on and take more effective preventive measures,” she stated.
To address this challenge head-on, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection plans to implement the Village-Based One Women and Children Data program. This initiative aims to create an integrated data collection system that extends down to the village level, providing granular insights into local communities and their specific needs.
“Protecting women and children is not a responsibility of certain individuals or groups but a responsibility for us all,” Minister Fauzi stressed.
Recognizing the complexity of this global issue, Minister Fauzi underscores the critical need for cross-sectoral cooperation. “Collaboration and synergy of all elements of the nation are essential,” she asserted, “to ending violence against women and children.”
Building a safer future for women and children in Indonesia requires a multifaceted approach. Robust data collection is essential to identify hotspots, understand risk factors, and tailor interventions to specific communities. Strengthening partnerships between government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, and individuals is vital to create a protective environment where violence is not tolerated. Education and awareness campaigns can play a transformative role in shifting societal norms and promoting gender equality.
Empowering women and children to recognize
signs of abuse, seek help when needed, and advocate for their rights is paramount.
Meanwhile, holding perpetrators accountable through effective law enforcement and justice systems is equally crucial. Ultimately, achieving a society free from violence against women and children demands a collective commitment from every individual, every community, and every sector of society. It’s a responsibility that we must all shoulder together, driven by data-informed strategies and a shared vision of a brighter, safer future for all.
– What are some of the ethical considerations that must be addressed when collecting and utilizing data on such a sensitive topic as violence against women and children?
## Tackling Violence Against Women and Children: A Data-Driven Approach
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Today we’re discussing the critical issue of violence against women and children in Indonesia, and what can be done to effectively address it. Joining us is Arifah Fauzi, the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection. Minister Fauzi, thank you for being here.
**Minister Fauzi:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** The statistics are truly alarming. Recent surveys paint a heartbreaking picture of the scale of violence affecting women and children in Indonesia. Can you elaborate on these findings?
**Minister Fauzi:** Absolutely. The 2024 National Women’s Life Experience Survey revealed a shocking reality: one in four Indonesian women have experienced physical or sexual violence. That’s a deeply concerning figure.
Furthermore, the 2024 National Children’s and Adolescents’ Life Experience Survey found that over 11.5 million children aged 13-17, or over half of this age group, have been victims of violence in some form.
**Interviewer:** These numbers are indeed staggering. What are the underlying factors contributing to this widespread violence?
**Minister Fauzi:** It’s a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Societal norms, gender inequality, lack of education, and poverty all play a role.
**Interviewer:** You’ve emphasized the importance of data in addressing this crisis. How does accurate data collection inform solutions?
**Minister Fauzi:** Data is crucial for understanding the problem in depth. It allows us to identify hotspots, understand the nature of violence, and tailor interventions accordingly. [[1](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/cv22.pdf)].
**Interviewer:** So, what concrete steps is your ministry taking to combat this issue?
**Minister Fauzi:** We’re implementing a Village-Based One Stop Service program to provide support and resources for survivors of violence at the grassroots level.
We’re also working with communities to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and promote gender equality.
**Interviewer:** What message would you like to give to the public, especially those who may be experiencing violence?
**Minister Fauzi:** You are not alone. Help is available. Please reach out to local authorities, community organizations, or our ministry’s hotline. Together, we can create a safer and more equitable society for all.
