CIQAL: Talkshow on Regional Regulation Draft for Protection of Women & Children with Disabilities in Yogyakarta

On 16 September 2016, the CIQAL Foundation supported by MAMPU Program, held a talk show with the Yogyakarta Regional Government and Regional Parliament on the Draft Regulation for Protection of Women and Children with Disabilities Victims of Violence in Sleman, Yogyakarta.

The aim of this event was to deliver the constraints, problems and solutions in mentoring, management and prevention, also access to services of violence cases on women and children with disabilities. In addition, CIQAL also delivered an input in policy at the district level in mentoring, management and prevention, so that the victim can obtain their rights. Therefore, common perception in handling cases of violence against women and children with disabilities is needed.

According to Article 5 (2) of Law No. 8 year 2016 on Disability, it is mentioned that women with disabilities have the right: to reproductive health; accept or reject the use of contraceptives; protection from discrimination; and to obtain more Protection from violence, including sexual violence and exploitation.

Many of violence against women with disabilities cases, in terms of medical, psychological, economic, social and legally, is not settled due to lack of commitment and ability of the parties, community, family, government and law enforcement in mastering methods and technical assistance, also handling in women victims of violence with disabilities. The lack of understanding and awareness of disability issues and how to interact and communicate with disabilities also contribute to the cessation, even the omission of some cases of violence against disabled women.

Many people in Indonesia still be shame and cover up cases of violence against women with disabilities. Thus, it makes women with disabilities do not get any justice in terms of services.

CIQAL Foundation within Phase I (2014- 2015) has been accompanying 47 cases of women with disabilities, and 17 cases in Phase II from January to September 2016.

Through this talk show, it was expected that women and children with disabilities issue can be included within the regulation draft, including budget allocation for services and fulfilling the rights of women and children with disabilities who are victims of violence, so that they can be handled in accordance with the needs and range of disabilities.

The moderator of this talkshow was Tutik Purwaningsih, S.E. and three source persons, such as: representatives of DPRD Sleman, Sleman Legal Secretariat and the Head of KBPMPPA Sleman. While the participants were coming from various local government agencies, Parliament, relevant working unit, Sleman Police, Sleman District General Hospital, the Village Heads, Communities, and also civil society organisations in Yogyakarta.