Police Response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

GBV intensifies during the covid-19 pandemic. To effectively handle the GBV cases, immediate and proper responses from the government are imperative. This study examines Jakarta police responsiveness to GBV during the COVID-19 pandemic, explicitly focusing on services provided to GBV victims and challenges faced in handling GBV. This study employs qualitative approaches, including a review of peer-reviewed articles, relevant documents, and a focus group discussion with relevant key informants. Findings were analyzed using content analysis. The study finds that GBV cases increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus posing police departments with multi-layered challenges. The police departments provided services to GBV victims, implementing a new standard of operations. However, infrastructure, human resources, facilities, coordination, and collaboration were lacking. This study emphasizes the need to strengthen the collaboration among stakeholders. This analysis of police responsiveness to GBV during the COVID-19 pandemic might allow stakeholders to reflect on better practices and design appropriate policies for tackling GBV.