Second Year of the Pandemic Sees a 50% Increase in Violence Against Women

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) recorded 338,496 verified reports of gender-based violence (GBV) against women throughout 2021.

This figure represents an approximate 50% increase from the 226,062 cases reported in 2020.

According to Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Alimatul Qibtiyah, speaking at the "Launch of the Komnas Perempuan Annual Report 2021" on Monday (March 7th), this increase is due to increased public awareness of reporting channels.

In general, 3,838 GBV cases were reported to Komnas Perempuan in 2021. A further 7,029 cases were reported to service institutions, and 327,639 cases were reported to Religious Courts.

Increasing Trend of Violence Against Women Over the Last 10 Years

The trend shows a general increase in reported cases of violence against women over the last decade, as illustrated in the graph.

In 2012, 135,170 cases of violence against women were reported. This number steadily increased to 204,794 cases in 2015.

Reports decreased to 163,116 cases in 2016, but then increased for three consecutive years, reaching 302,686 cases in 2019.

In the first year of the pandemic (2020), the number of reports decreased. However, in 2021, the number of reports increased again, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

(See also: Women in Central Java Experienced the Highest Number of Sexual Violence Cases in 2020)