CONTENT WARNING: This podcast contains references to domestic violence and sexual assault.
Complexities characterise the relationship between mental illness and the experience of violence among women, as described by ANROWS - Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety in their 2020 report titled Violence Against Women and Mental Health.
Women with disabilities also experience significant challenges in facing sexual violence. In a statement addressed to SBS Indonesia, Patty Kinnersly from Our Watch, an Australian Organisation that focuses on primary prevention of violence against women, said that “...shockingly, some 65% have experienced violence since the age of 15.”
In 2024, a calamity befell the family of Andreas Harsono: A prominent Indonesian Human Rights Activist. Through his blog, Andreas revealed how his sister, Susanna Harsono, experienced sexual assault in the family’s home. The suspected perpetrator also attacked a nurse entrusted to take care of Andreas and Susanna’s mother, who suffers from dementia.
Susanna, who had paranoid schizophrenia, experienced such a shock after the incident that she isolated herself; stopped eating and drinking almost completely and passed away a few weeks afterwards. The alleged perpetrator was known by the family.
Fitriyah Fajarwati, a lawyer working with the case from a local legal aid organisation LBH Jentera Jember, said that in the beginning they came across a few challenges in the case management, including the refusal of the nurse to bear witness.
Sri Agustini, from Indonesia’s National Commission for Violence Against Women, said that Susanna’s case could be categorised as femicide.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
