Like an iceberg phenomenon, cases of sexual violence that occur are higher than those reported. This is because victims of sexual violence are often reluctant to report the violence they experience. Yes, for victims, having the courage to speak out, report, and fight for justice for themselves is not an easy thing to do, even though it is their right.
One of the factors that causes victims to be reluctant to speak out is revictimization or victim blaming, namely a situation where the victim is blamed. Apart from that, victims are also often seen as ‘dirty’ and embarrassing if they experience sexual violence. In fact, the victim is the victim, and the perpetrator should bear the shame and social sanctions, not the other way around.
In the end, the victim refused to speak up and did not receive justice.
These concerns were expressed by actress Arawinda Kirana in her short film entitled Silence. Through her Instagram account, @arawindak, the woman who starred in the film Yuni shared the trailer for Diam. In this film, Arawinda is not an actor but a writer and director.
Telling the story of victims of sexual violence
Arawinda Kirana Releases Short Film “Silent”, A True Story of a Victim of Sexual Violence/Photo: Doc. Instagram/arawindak
The 1 minute 40 second trailer shows a conversation between two women, one of whom has been a victim of sexual violence. The victim said that he was continuously asked questions regarding his bitter experience, and how he tried to prevent the perpetrator from stopping his actions.
The victim was also angry about why he had to apologize for the mistakes made by the perpetrator. He also tried to speak up about the sexual violence he experienced. However, the presence of the state legal system and existing rubber laws make it difficult for victims to speak up.
“The state’s legal system and existing rubber articles are actually increasingly detrimental to humans by limiting freedom of speech. Many survivors are forced to drown, remain silent, and if they want to fight they have to be very careful,” wrote Arawinda in the caption.
Based on Arawinda’s experience
Arawinda Kirana Releases Short Film “Silent”, A True Story of a Victim of Sexual Violence/Photo: Instagram @arawindak
Arawinda said that he made the film Diam as a reflection of the sexual violence case he experienced in 2022. After one year had passed, Arawinda had the courage to speak out and express his anxiety.
“I made this film – with great energy and passion that comes from honesty – as a reflection of the sexual violence case that I experienced in 2022,” he wrote.
“All this time, my case was disguised by the perpetrator under a series of false stories that were fabricated and planted using money gaps and power dynamics,” he added.
(Gambas:Instagram)
This work in the form of a short film was the first moment where Arawinda finally had the courage to speak and reveal the truth about this case.
“For all people who are afraid to fight because of the power gap between survivors and perpetrators; because the legal system is not accommodating; or for other reasons,” he said.
The full version of this short film will not be shown publicly. Because, according to Arawinda, his work is not a commodity that he wants to buy and sell to make money.
“This film is completely a medium for expression and sound,” concluded Arawinda.
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