COVID-19 Pandemic Linked to Rise in Domestic Violence in Indonesia

Jakarta – Reflecting on February 19, 2022, the Indonesian Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (Kementerian PPPA) reported a concerning trend: an increase in domestic violence (DV) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry indicated that economic factors were a primary driver of this rise.

The Pandemic’s Shadow

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic extended far beyond health concerns. The pandemic caused widespread economic hardship, with many individuals experiencing job loss. Simultaneously, reports of domestic violence began to increase.

The large-scale spread of the coronavirus, beginning in early 2020 with its emergence in Wuhan, created significant challenges for families. The virus’s rapid transmission led to numerous difficulties.

Economic Strain and Violence

The economic sector was severely impacted, resulting in widespread job losses. The situation was compounded by the fact that many individuals faced prolonged periods of unemployment. This economic pressure coincided with a rise in domestic violence, becoming a significant concern during the pandemic.

In mid-2021, the South Kalimantan Police recorded a substantial increase in domestic violence cases, both verbal and non-verbal. Verbal violence included threats, insults, and mockery, while non-verbal violence encompassed acts like hitting, and kicking.

Did You Know? In the first half of 2021, the number of violence cases in South Kalimantan reached 60% of the total cases reported for all of 2020.

Specifically, the South Kalimantan Police handled 147 cases, comprising 69 cases involving women and 79 cases involving children. Authorities anticipated that these numbers would continue to rise.

Cases involving women decreased from 214 in 2020 to 94, while cases involving children decreased from 120 to 94. Despite the decrease in total numbers, the Ministry noted a significant increase in domestic violence incidents overall.

Authorities also stated that economic issues were a common factor in the domestic violence cases reported during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The number of cases handled in the first half of 2021 exceeded 60% of the total cases in 2020. Many of these couples end up in divorce because there is no peaceful solution,” stated Kombes Pol Mochamad Rifa’i, the Head of Public Relations of the South Kalimantan Police, as quoted by Rampotempo on August 19th.

The Ministry of PPPA also acknowledged the increase in domestic violence trends during the COVID-19 pandemic on February 19, 2022, releasing data from the Women and Children Protection Online Information System (SIMFONI PPPA).

SIMFONI PPPA data revealed 10,247 cases of violence against women in 2021, with 7,508 occurring within the home. The Ministry emphasized the seriousness of these numbers, attributing the increase to economic problems caused by COVID-19.

Expert Insight: The correlation between economic hardship and increased domestic violence highlights the complex interplay of social and economic factors that contribute to gender-based violence. The pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, creating a climate where such incidents were more likely to occur.

The PPPA Minister expressed sadness over the increase in domestic violence but also expressed gratitude to those who bravely reported incidents, acknowledging the difficulty victims face in coming forward.

This information will enable the PPPA Minister to formulate appropriate policies to assist victims of domestic violence. The Ministry has also established a call center for individuals seeking to report experiences of violence.

“Most domestic violence cases are caused by economic factors. Especially during this pandemic, the number of domestic violence cases and reports has increased dramatically. However, many victims still do not want to report due to fear of threats they receive and feel that domestic violence is a family disgrace that should not be known to the surrounding environment,” stated Valentina Ginting, Deputy for Women’s Rights Protection and Vulnerability at the Ministry of PPPA, as quoted by lamankompas.com on February 19, 2022.

“KemenPPPA provides a Women and Child Friend or SAPA 129 (021-129) or WhatsApp 0811 129 129 call center service, where victims of violence can report violence they have experienced or know about.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary factor contributing to the increase in domestic violence during the pandemic?

According to the Ministry of PPPA, economic factors were the primary driver of the increase in domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How did the number of domestic violence cases in South Kalimantan change between 2020 and 2021?

In the first half of 2021, the number of violence cases in South Kalimantan reached 60% of the total cases reported for all of 2020.

What resources are available for victims of domestic violence in Indonesia?

The Ministry of PPPA provides a call center service through SAPA 129 (021-129) or WhatsApp 0811 129 129, where victims can report violence they have experienced or know about.

As communities continue to navigate the long-term effects of the pandemic, what steps can be taken to address the underlying economic and social factors that contribute to domestic violence?