The Femicide Report 2023 reveals not only the systemic violence faced by women but also the increasing vulnerability of marginalized groups like the transgender community, who have seen a 123% rise in violence. These crimes are often driven by social stigma and discrimination, and in many cases, there is state negligence, leaving these communities further isolated.
Understanding Vulnerability: Transgender and Marginalized Groups
Transgender individuals face disproportionately high levels of violence, not only from societal discrimination but also from the failure of the state to protect them. The sharp increase in violence against this community, as documented in 2023, is largely driven by deep-seated stigma, which leads to both public and state-sanctioned violence. Many of these crimes go unpunished, with a lack of state intervention contributing to a culture of impunity.
In Indonesia, there is no specific legal protection for the transgender community against gender-based violence. The legal frameworks in place, such as PERMA No. 3 of 2017 and PERMA No. 1 of 2020, focus on victim protection in general but fail to address the unique vulnerabilities of marginalized groups like the transgender community. This creates significant gaps in access to justice, where transgender victims often face discrimination when reporting crimes or seeking legal recourse.
How We Addressing The Vulnerability
As a foundation dedicated to empowerment and health justice, Angsamerah is well-positioned to take an active role in supporting vulnerable groups, especially the transgender community, through a combination of healthcare services, advocacy, and community support;
1. Healthcare Access for Transgender Individuals
Angsamerah can provide dedicated healthcare services, including mental health support and sexual health services, to transgender individuals who are often excluded from traditional healthcare settings. Offering safe spaces for transgender individuals to seek care is crucial in ensuring they receive the dignity and respect they deserve.
2. Advocating for Legal Protections
Angsamerah’s advocacy efforts should include pushing for stronger legal protections for the transgender community, ensuring that they have equal access to justice and are protected from gender-based violence. Working with legal organizations and human rights groups can help bring attention to these issues.
3. Collaborating with Feminist and Legal Organizations
By working with organizations like Jakarta Feminist and Komnas Perempuan, Angsamerah can support comprehensive research and data collection on the violence faced by transgender individuals. This would help inform future policy changes and create more inclusive protections for marginalized groups.
4. Support Programs for Survivors
Angsamerah can develop outreach programs that offer counseling, legal assistance, and economic support to survivors of gender-based violence, particularly those from vulnerable communities. Empowering survivors with vocational training and opportunities for economic independence could help break cycles of dependency and vulnerability.
Expanding Data Collection on Femicide and Suicide
As noted in the Femicide Report 2023, the collection of data on femicide in Indonesia remains incomplete. Beyond this, there is also an urgent need to include suicides caused by extreme societal pressure and violence. Often, victims of gender-based violence or marginalized individuals facing intolerable discrimination see suicide as the only escape. Angsamerah can play a key role in researching and documenting these cases, ensuring they are not overlooked in the broader discussion on gender-based violence.
The increasing violence against the transgender community in Indonesia highlights the need for urgent intervention. Angsamerah, with its commitment to health justice and community empowerment, can be a leading force in addressing the specific needs of vulnerable groups.
Through healthcare services, advocacy, and support programs, Angsamerah can help create a future where all individuals, regardless of gender identity, are protected from violence and have access to justice and healthcare. By raising awareness, advocating for stronger legal protections, and supporting comprehensive data collection, Angsamerah can drive meaningful change in the fight against gender-based violence.