https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85199966550

In Indonesia, violence against women (VaW) is more than a statistic, it is a reality that continues to affect countless lives. Despite many efforts to combat it, the problem persists, fueled by a patriarchal system that not only normalizes violence but also shapes insensitive responses from authorities. 

This study shines a light on a different path: feminist social work. A research team from Universitas Padjadjaran has published their findings in Violence and Gender (Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc.), a journal indexed in Q1. By placing survivors at the center, this approach emphasizes empathy, dialogue, partnership, and an ethics of care. It goes beyond solving cases; it focuses on restoring dignity, rebuilding identity, and ensuring that every woman’s voice is heard. Through case studies and a literature review, the research highlights key practices such as consciousness-raising, reflexivity, and the creation of safe spaces for open discussion.

Importantly, this research contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality. By promoting survivor-centered approaches, it supports efforts to eliminate violence against women, empower survivors, and create conditions where women can live free from fear and discrimination. In doing so, it strengthens the broader movement for equality and justice in Indonesia and beyond.

The message is clear: change is possible, but it requires courage and collaboration. Policymakers, practitioners, and communities must stand together to break the cycle of violence and build a system that is humane, just, and survivor-centered. Feminist social work is not only a framework, it is an invitation for all of us to act, to care, and to transform society for the better.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/vio.2023.0002