By: Ahmad Hadid
Sexual violence has been a crucial problem on campuses. This was stated by Rifki, Chief Executive of Ta’aruf Tasawuf dan Psikoterapi (TATAPS) of IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon in 2023. According to him, sexual violence often occurs on campus and in its surrounding environment but the incidents often goes unnoticed.
“Sexual violence often occurs on the campus. I often encounter sexist jokes, catcalling in the form of whistling which makes other people feel uncomfortable,” he said, on Monday September 04, 2023.
Rifki with the IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Sufism and Psychotherapy Student Association then held an open discussion regarding sexual violence. The aim is to equip new students to understand and anticipate sexual violence.
The founder of Umah Ramah, Asih Widyowati, who was the speaker at the discussion, said that sexual violence is very close to students and the campus world, but this kind of violence is still often misunderstood. Many stigmas, taboos, and negative views from people make it difficult and reluctant for those who experience sexual violence to speak out.
“In fact, the impact of sexual violence is enormous. People who experienced sexual violence usually experience prolonged trauma, they beat themselves, experience mental disorders, and so on,” she said.
During the discussion, the participants also shared some of the sexual violence they knew about. One of the participants shared the experience of a female friend who experienced sexual violence. Other participants even heard of a teacher who sexually harassed his own student.
According to Asih, sexual violence is closely related to our understanding of sexuality. Many of us misunderstand sexual violence because we misunderstood sexuality in the first place.
“When the term ‘sexuality’ is mentioned, the mind generally goes to something that is ‘taboo’, ‘indecent’, or ‘dirty’. Even though sexuality is not only about sexual intercourse, but how we live and continue life,” she continued.
Asih ended the discussion by saying that discussing sexual violence must lead to our acts to fight for a life without violence, pain, and trauma. “Because all of that can hinder the process of becoming a complete human being in life,” she concluded. []
This article was translated by Napol Riel.