There are many types of rape, Indonesian women must be vigilant

The release of Komnas Perempuan's Annual Notes (CATAHU) in 2018 reported that out of around 350 thousand total cases of sexual violence against women throughout 2017, 1,288 of them were cases of rape. A harsh reality to swallow. However, this shows that rape cannot be denied that it is still the biggest terror to haunt Indonesian women.

The number above may only represent cases that are forwarded to the authorities. Chances are there are still people out there who are reluctant, afraid, or even completely unwilling to report sexual violence for a variety of reasons.

What is rape?

Rape or rape has a broad meaning. However, the definition of rape in Article 285 of the Criminal Code is classified as narrow. Rape according to law is an act of intercourse based on threats or violence committed against a woman who is not a legal wife.

This means that according to Article 285 of the Criminal Code, rape is limited to the act of forcing penile penetration into the vaginal opening by men to women. Beyond that, it doesn't count as rape. This definition also excludes the possibility that men could become victims.

The form of rape is not just the penis into the vagina

The term "rape" generally only describes penetration of the penis into the vagina. But in reality, all forms of sexual activity that do not involve penetration but are still forced also include rape.

In general, from the above explanation, it can be concluded that rape is any form of forced sexual intercourse which you do not consciously agree with; against the will or against personal volition.

This means that a sexual activity that is mutually agreed upon by both parties can turn into an act of rape when one of them refuses or asks to stop in the middle, but the perpetrator goes against the victim's will by continuing the sexual relationship.

Komnas Perempuan defines rape as an attack in the form of forced sexual intercourse by inserting the penis, fingers, or other objects into the victim's vagina, rectum (anus) or mouth.

Attacks are carried out not only by coercion, violence, or threats of violence. Rape also includes being preceded by subtle manipulation, detention, verbal or psychological pressure, abuse of power, or by taking opportunities in situations and conditions that are not supposed to be.

Anyone can be a victim and perpetrator

We have probably assumed that rape can only be done by men to women. Rape can, in fact, be committed and experienced by anyone indiscriminately. Rape is a form of violence that does not recognize gender, age, socio-economic status, place and time. It doesn't matter what clothes or make-up was worn at the time.

Men and women, young or old, healthy and sick, family members, close relatives, and strangers are both victims and perpetrators. Women can be perpetrators of rape. Likewise men who can be victims.

Group rape occurs when there are two or more perpetrators who act at the same time to make turns penetrating the same victim.

There are many types of rape

Forms of rape can be grouped based on who committed the crime, who was the victim, and what specific acts occurred in the rape. Some types of rape may be considered much more severe than others.

Judging from the type, the act of rape is divided into:

1. Rape of a person with disabilities

This type of rape is committed by healthy people to people with disabilities, namely people who have physical, developmental, intellectual, and / or mental disabilities / disabilities. Persons with disabilities may have limited abilities or be unable to express their consent to engage in sexual activity.

This type of rape also includes rape of people who are healthy but unconscious. For example, when the victim is sleeping, passes out, or is in a coma. This includes being in a semi-conscious state, for example when drunk due to the influence of drugs (side effects of legal drugs, narcotics, or drugs that are deliberately put in) or alcoholic drinks.

Even if the victim is silent and does not fight back, if sexual intercourse is forced and happens against her will, it still means rape. These substances inhibit a person's ability to approve or oppose sexual acts, and sometimes even prevent them from remembering the event.

2. Rape by family members

The act of rape that occurs when the perpetrator and the victim are both in blood or is known as incest rape. Incest rape can occur in the nuclear family or extended family. For example, between father and child, brother and sister, uncle / aunt and nephew or nephew (extended family), or between cousins.

According to the CATAHU of Komnas Perempuan, fathers, brothers and uncles are among the three most perpetrators of sexual violence in the family. However, incest also includes rape by a stepfamily member.

In most cases, family rape involves minors.

3. Rape of a minor (rape statutory)

Rape statutory is an act of rape by an adult in a child who is not yet 18 years old. This can also include sexual relations between minors.

In Indonesia, rape and / or sexual violence against children is regulated by the Child Protection Law number 35 of 2014 in article 76D.

4.Rape in relationship (rape partner)

This type of rape occurs between two individuals who are in a relationship, including dating or in a household.

Dating rape is not specifically regulated by Indonesian law. However, rape in marriage is regulated by Law on the Elimination of Domestic Violence Number 23 of 2004 article 8 (a) and Article 66.

Forced penetration by any means remains rape, regardless of whether the victim has had sex with the rapist before or not.

5. Rape between relatives

So far, we may have assumed that rape can only occur between strangers. For example, when he was intercepted in the middle of the night by unknown persons.

However, rape is very likely between two people who already know each other. It doesn't matter that I just met for a while or it's been a long time. For example, playmates, school friends, neighbors, work friends, and others.

Two out of three rapes were committed by someone known to the victim.

What are the effects of rape on the victim?

Rape is any form of forced sexual intercourse that can result in physical injury as well as emotional and psychological trauma. Each victim can respond to a traumatic event in his own way. Therefore, the impact of rape can vary from person to person. The effects of trauma can be mild to serious and fatal, and occur in the short term or years after experiencing it.

Physical impact

After experiencing rape, of course there are some injuries or physical impacts that can be experienced by the victim. Are as follows:

• Bruises or cuts on the body
• Bleeding in the vagina or anus after being penetrated
• Difficulty walking
• Pain in the vagina, rectum, mouth, or other parts of the body
• Broken or sprained bones
• Sexually transmitted infections and diseases
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Eating disorders
• Dyspareunia (pain during or after sexual intercourse)
• Vaginismus, the vaginal muscles tighten and close by themselves
• Recurrent tension headaches
• Shaky
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Dead
• Hyperarousal

Psychological and emotional impact

Apart from being physically injured, victims of rape can also experience tremendous psychological and emotional trauma.

Psychological effects of rape generally take the form of shock (numbness), withdrawal (isolation) due to shame or fear, depression, aggression and agitation (irritability), shock and shock, paranoia, disorientation (confusion and dazedness), dissociation disorders, PTSD., to anxiety disorders or panic disorders. However, one person and another can experience different effects depending on how each responds to the traumatic event.

Rape victims may also experience rape trauma syndrome or what is called Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS). RTS is a derivative form of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) that commonly affects female victims. Symptoms can include a mixture of physical injury and the impact of psychological trauma. Includes also flashback memories (flashbacks) of these unfortunate events and an increase in the frequency of nightmares.

Based on the severity of the impact of rape that may be experienced, many survivors have a tendency to want to commit suicide. They think that suicide is the best way to end all their suffering.

What to do if you are raped

After experiencing rape, your first response may be panic, fear, embarrassment, or shock. Everything you feel is normal. You may also feel reluctant to report to the authorities immediately. This, too, is fine. After experiencing severe trauma, a person usually needs time to accept the reality and want to share what has been experienced.

It may be scary to try to open up with other people about the event. However, it is important to still consider getting medical help as soon as possible. If possible, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. The doctor will perform a series of tests and medication to prevent the possible spread of sexually transmitted diseases or the risk of pregnancy.

Doctors and health care professionals will handle all your medical needs while maintaining confidentiality. They will not contact the police without your permission. If you decide to report the police, immediately request a forensic examination. As soon as possible. It is recommended that at least 1 day after the event occurs to get an accurate treatment and diagnosis.

Try not to shower or wash or change your clothes immediately after sexual assault. Cleaning yourself and your clothes can destroy forensic evidence that may be important for a police investigation.

Read more about our guide to first aid after experiencing sexual violence at Hello Sehat.

If you, your child, or your closest relative has experienced sexual violence of any kind, it is strongly recommended that you contact police emergency number 110 ; KPAI (Indonesian Child Protection Commission) at (021) 319-015-56; Komnas Perempuan at (021) 390-3963; ATTITUDE (Action Solidarity for Victims of Violence against Children and Women) at (021) 319-069-33; LBH APIK at (021) 877-972-89; or contact Integrated Crisis Center - RSCM at (021) 361-2261.