“Why didn’t you tell anyone sooner?”
It may sound like a simple question. But for survivors of sexual violence, it can be one of the most painful things to hear.
Not everyone can speak immediately after experiencing sexual violence or harassment. Some people need months, even years, to process what happened to them.
There can be fear.
Fear of not being believed. Fear of being blamed. Fear of being accused of damaging the family’s reputation. Fear of losing a job. Fear of seeing the perpetrator again. And sometimes, fear that speaking up will make life even more complicated.
This is what makes Niken’s journey in Beautiful Pain, played by Raihaanun, worth looking at from a wider perspective.
Directed by Dmaz Brodjonegoro, the film explores trauma, harassment, false accusations, family and a woman’s struggle to rebuild her life. But beyond the story itself, Niken’s journey can also open an important conversation:
What should you do if you or someone you know experiences sexual violence?
First, Survivors Should Not Blame Themselves
The most important thing to remember is simple:
Sexual violence is never the survivor’s fault.
Clothing does not cause sexual violence.
Going somewhere with someone does not mean consenting to sexual activity.
Being in a relationship with someone does not take away a person’s right to say no.
And staying silent after an incident does not mean the survivor consented to what happened.
Everyone responds to trauma differently. Some people fight back. Some try to escape. Others freeze, stay silent or only begin to understand the impact of what happened much later.
A survivor’s response during or after an incident should never be used to question whether the violence really happened.
Speaking Up Does Not Mean You Have to Go Public
This is also important.
When Beautiful Pain talks about “Speak Up,” it does not mean every survivor has to immediately share their experience on social media or file a police report.
Speaking up can start with something very small.
It could be telling one trusted person:
“Something happened to me, and I need help.”
That person could be a friend, family member, partner, psychologist, healthcare professional, survivor advocate or support organization.
Telling just one safe person can already be a meaningful first step.
Survivors should never feel pressured to share details they are not ready to discuss.
If You Have Recently Experienced Sexual Violence, What Can You Do?
1. Get Somewhere Safe
If the perpetrator is still nearby or you are at risk of further violence, prioritize your immediate safety.
Go somewhere safer and contact someone you trust.
If you are facing an emergency in Indonesia and need police assistance, you can contact the Indonesian National Police Call Center at 110. The service is free. (polri.go.id)
2. You Don’t Have to Handle Everything Alone
You do not have to solve everything in one day.
Find someone you trust who can stay with you or help you look for professional support.
If talking face to face feels too difficult, you can start with a simple message:
“I’m going through something serious. I’m not ready to tell you everything yet, but I need you to stay with me while I look for help.”
3. Preserve Evidence If It Is Safe to Do So
If there are messages, photographs, recordings, medical documents or other information related to the incident, keep them somewhere safe.
However, collecting evidence should never put you at greater risk.
Indonesia’s official SAPA 129 service also advises people to preserve relevant evidence, such as photographs, messages or recordings, when reporting violence.
4. Reach Out for Professional Support
Survivors have the right to seek help.
Support may involve psychological assistance, healthcare, protection, legal information or other forms of support depending on the situation.
One official starting point in Indonesia is SAPA 129, a service operated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection for reports and assistance related to violence against women and children. (kemenpppa.go.id)
5. Asking for Help Does Not Mean You Have to Make Every Decision Immediately
This is something survivors should know.
Seeking information and support does not necessarily mean you have to immediately take every legal step.
SAPA 129 provides information and guidance about available assistance and possible next steps.
You deserve the opportunity to understand your options and make decisions at a pace that feels safe.
Official Support Hotlines in Indonesia
SAPA 129, Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection
For: Reports and assistance related to violence against women and children, including sexual violence.
Phone: 129
WhatsApp: 08 111 129 129
Online: SAPA 129 Official Reporting Service
SAPA 129 allows people to report violence experienced by themselves or someone else and provides information and guidance about available assistance. (laporsapa129.kemenpppa.go.id)
Komnas Perempuan
For: Information and resources concerning violence against women, including sexual violence and survivors’ rights.
Komnas Perempuan Official Website
Komnas Perempuan is Indonesia’s independent national human rights institution focused on advancing women’s rights. Its official website provides resources and information concerning violence against women and survivors’ rights. (komnasperempuan.go.id)
Indonesian National Police Call Center 110
For: Emergencies, threats, ongoing violence or situations requiring police assistance.
Call: 110
Indonesian National Police Official Website
The Indonesian National Police’s 110 Contact Center can be used for information, reports and complaints, including threats and acts of violence. The service is free. (polri.go.id)
