Sexual Violence and Harassment has become an aspect that one can encounter when going about their daily lives. Sexual violence is an act that involves the use of force, threat, manipulation, or coercion to perform sexual acts on someone without consent or with unauthorized consent. This can include rape, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and various other forms of sexual behavior that harm and violate the rights of individuals.

Sexual Harassment can also occur in places that allow interaction between men and women, such as offices, public service places, and schools. On average, sexual harassment can occur between parties who do not know each other. This is due to the potential anonymity between the perpetrator and victim. However, this does not rule out the potential for Sexual Violence and Harassment to occur with relatives or close friends.

Sexual harassment on campus is a serious problem that is getting more attention in Indonesia. One of the most notable cases is sexual harassment involving the rector of a private university in Jakarta, which was reported in early 2024. The case involved two university staff who submitted a post mortem to strengthen evidence of the alleged harassment (tirto.id).

According to the report, Komnas Perempuan stated that sexual violence on campus often goes unreported and becomes an iceberg phenomenon, where many cases are not exposed to the public. They emphasized the importance of campuses to implement policies that protect victims and ensure a fair and pro-victim legal process. 

Sexual harassment on campus is often an iceberg phenomenon, where cases that come to light are only a fraction of the overall incidence. Many cases go unreported because victims do not feel confident to report or feel they will not get justice. Research shows that 77% of lecturers claimed to have known about cases of sexual harassment on campus, but 63% of them did not report it (tirto.id).

Educational institutions must ensure that victims or whistleblowers of sexual harassment do not suffer harm or retaliation, such as demotion, delayed promotion, or discomfort in working relationships. It is important to create a safe environment for victims to report and get justice (Antara News).

Some campuses have also taken steps to address this problem, including the formation of task forces and the implementation of policies such as Permendikbud No. 30 of 2021 concerning Prevention and Handling of Sexual Harassment in the Higher Education Environment, and for that UNDIRA has formed a special team in accordance with Permendikbud no.30 of 2021 prevention and handling of violence in the college environment. Mr. Rengga Sendrian M.Hum as chairman of PPKS at UNDIRA. 

The steps taken by UNDIRA are:

1. Establishment of a Sexual Violence Task Force (Satgas)

Many campuses form special task forces responsible for handling cases of sexual violence, including UNDIRA, this task force consists of education personnel, lecturers, and students, who are trained to handle reports of sexual harassment sensitively and professionally.

2. Education and Training

Provide education and training programs that focus on the prevention of Sexual Harassment and education on its effects. This program includes seminars, and training that is mandatory technical guidance for new students as well as education personnel, to raise awareness on what sexual violence is and how to report it.

3. Clear Policies and Procedures

Establish clear policies and procedures regarding the handling of sexual violence, aimed at the entire university environment, and including reporting mechanisms, investigation procedures, and sanctions for perpetrators. The establishment of this policy is also good if it is emphasized by an increase in security systems such as CCTV in certain rooms such as halls, canteens, or places that are out of sight of security guards. Because there is the potential that some quiet places can become places where sexual harassment occurs.

4. Support for Victims

The campus will provide support services for victims of sexual harassment, including counseling, medical assistance, and legal assistance. The campus also tries to ensure that victims do not experience discrimination or retaliation after reporting the incident.  If the situation has occurred, further psychological guidance is expected to reduce the effects of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) on the psyche after the incident has passed, of course, guidance must be carried out with positive behaviorreinforcement, which emphasizes positive suggestions to improve the victim's mind and face-to-face guidance so as not to make the victim even worse in the mistrust of socializing arising from sexual harassment.

5. Increased Security on Campus

Campuses are increasing security measures, such as increased security patrols, installation of CCTV cameras, and better lighting in vulnerable areas of the campus. This aims to create a safer environment for all campus members. It is important for campuses to provide reporting systems that are easily accessible to all members of the campus community. This includes dedicated hotlines, online reporting platforms, and anonymous reporting facilities, so that victims can report incidents without fear of repercussions.

The implementation of these measures demonstrates the campus' commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the academic community. By continuously improving prevention policies and practices, it is hoped that cases of sexual violence on campus can be minimized.

Below is the attached link to the positive reinforcement behaviour studies:

Noviasari, Ita & Agustina, Ika. 2022. PENGARUH KONSELING BEHAVIORAL TERHADAP KEPERCAYAAN DIRI REMAJA KASUS KEKERASAN SEKSUAL. Program Studi Pendidikan Bidan STIKes Patria Husada Blitar.

(Kornelia Johana / Humas UNDIRA)

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