Recently, the Governor of Jakarta, Indonesia, warned females not to wear provocative clothing on public transport to avoid being raped. By saying this, he seemed to blame rapes on victims' choice of clothing. Outraged women
protested in Jakarta over the Governor's remarks by wearing skirts.
Not only is this was this comment deeply insulting and insensitive to rape victims, but it is also factually inaccurate. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence and control that stem from a person's determination to exercise power over another.
Neither provocative dress nor promiscuous behavior are invitations for unwanted sexual activity.
Indonesia's National Commission for Women's Affairs has recorded over 100,000 cases of violence against women so far this year in the country, 4,000 of which are rape cases.
Tell the Jakarta Governor to stop blaming rape victims if he is serious about combating sexual assault.
We the undersigned take issue with your recent remarks about rape. You stated that women should not wear short skirts on public transport to avoid being raped. This is deeply problematic as it blames the victims of rape instead of the perpetrators.
In fact, rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence and control that stem from a person's determination to exercise power over another.
Neither provocative dress nor promiscuous behavior are invitations for unwanted sexual activity.
If you are serious about ending rape and sexual assault in Jakarta, please stop blaming the victims. Thank you.
