Inp.polri.go.id - Yogyakarta. The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) emphasized the need for heightened attention from both central government and local administration to address the concerning prevalence of sexual violence cases in the Special Region of Yogyakarta due to a notable rise in protection requests from victims, particularly women and children. During a virtual discussion on Thursday (23/11/2023), LPSK Chairman Hasto Atmojo Suroyo revaled that the agency has provided protection services to 97 witnesses and victims in Yogyakarta, with 88 individuals being victims of sexual violence, regardless of gender. He disclosed that cultural factors often lead victims, especially in cases of sexual violence against women and children, to remain silent. Despite Yogyakarta being a relatively small province, LPSK noted a high demand for its services, indicating the severity of the issue, antaranews.com reported. Encouraging victims and their families to speak out and provide testimonies during legal proceedings, Hasto asserted the importance of achieving justice for the victims. He expressed concern that, due to cultural influences, many victims choose to remain silent. Sexual violence incidents are often discovered in close-knit environments, such as families, neighborhoods, and educational institutions. LPSK emphasizes the crucial role of cooperation in Yogyakarta to enhance efforts against sexual violence, especially with the presence of LPSK representation in the region. Erlina Hidayati, Head of the Office of Women's Empowerment Child Protection Population Control and Family Planning (DP3AP2), said that Yogyakarta recorded 1,282 reported violence cases in 2022, with a significant focus on sexual violence within campus environments. In response, the Yogyakarta provincial administration has been covering the costs of supporting sexual violence victims, including psychological, legal, spiritual, physical, and various health services they may require. (mg/inp/pr/nm)