Yogyakarta - Public Health students who joined in the Australian Consortium for "In-Country" Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) visited Rifka Annisa on Friday (14/7). Wulan, as representative from ACICIS said the visit aims to learn about Rifka Annisa`s efforts to address violence against women and children and the challenges.

            The discussion between Rifka Annisa and ACICIS took place at 02.00 p.m in the Rifka Annisa Hall. The discussion was guided by Defirentia One as the Manager of Public Relations and Media Division and Nurul Kurniati as the counselors in Assistance Division. The discussion was attended by 40 students who are the members of ACICIS and also the internship students of Rifka Annisa.

            The discussion began with the explanation of Rifka Annisa in general by Defirentia One. It focused on profiles, vision-missions, divisions and Rifka Annisa`s programs.

            “We (Rifka Annisa) believe that violence against women occurs because it is influenced by other factors. So it’s not only because of one factor but multilevel factors,” she said about the ecological framework used by Rifka Annisa. Based on the framework, the factors that influence consist of individual factors, family/personal relationships, community, and national and global structures.

            For the handling of violence against women and children, Rifka Annisa also undertakes ways in accordance with the framework through psychological counseling, legal counseling, medical care, and providing a safe house (shelter). Even psychological counseling is not only for women but also for men because it will be more effective that handling the case involves both parties.

            In addition, One also presented cases data of violence against women and children that has been handled Rifka Annisa from 2011-2016. It included the types of Domestic Violence (KDRT), Rape, Sexual Violence, etc.

            Based on the data, the most common case is Domestic Violence (KDRT). Meanwhile, Jessie, one of the participants, said that in Australia alone the most frequent case is sexual violence. One explained that the causes of domestic violence include the inability of emotional management, economic problems, and gender inequality.

            Nurul Kurniati explained to the participant who asked about the prevention of domestic before getting marriage. “When a couple is getting married, it needs a commitment. The commitment prevents the occurrence of domestic violence.”

            She revealed that the matchmaking case is not legally regulated in Indonesia. It is only regulated in common law. For the marriage itself, there is a law that regulates it.

            Answering the question about children`s education program from Ali, the participant of the discussion, One revealed that Rifka Annisa also has Rifka Goes to School and Rifka Goes to Campus as one of the efforts to prevent violence. (Ana Widiawati)