Policies Protecting Those Reporting Discrimination
In its continued commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and equitable academic environment, Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) has established a formal institutional mechanism for preventing and addressing sexual violence and protecting individuals who report such incidents. This framework is established through Rector Regulation No. 007 of 2023 on the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence at Universitas Pelita Harapan and implemented through the Satuan Tugas Pencegahan dan Penanganan Kekerasan Seksual (Satgas PPKS), established under Rector Decree No. 121F/SKR-UPH/IX/2023. Despite the naming of the unit, it does not only handle sexual violence but all forms of discrimination. In this academic year, the task force is also in the process of renaming itself as Satuan Tugas Pencegahan dan Penanganan Kekerasan di Perguruan Tinggi / Satgas PPKPT.
Key mechanisms protecting individuals who report discrimination, harassment, or violence include:
- Dedicated reporting and response mechanism: The Satgas PPKS is formally established as the university-level body responsible for preventing and handling violence. Its responsibilities include following up on reports, coordinating protection for victims and witnesses, and monitoring the implementation of recommendations.
- Protection of reporters and witnesses: The regulation explicitly provides protection not only to victims but also to reporters and witnesses. Protection includes safeguards against physical and non-physical threats, as well as protection against the recurrence of sexual violence.
- Confidentiality of identity: Victims and witnesses are guaranteed confidentiality of their identities, helping ensure that individuals can come forward without unnecessary exposure of their personal information.
- Protection from legal and retaliatory consequences: The regulation provides protection for victims and/or reporters from criminal prosecution or civil claims arising from the reported sexual-violence incident, strengthening safeguards against retaliation for reporting.
- Access to support and protection services: Reporters and witnesses may request assistance, protection, and recovery services through the Satgas PPKS. Available assistance can include counselling, health services, legal assistance, advocacy, and social and spiritual guidance.
- Protection of academic and employment continuity: For affected students, the policy provides guarantees for the continuation of their education, while lecturers and education personnel are protected in the continuation of their employment. Students who experience academic disruption during recovery may also receive additional academic guidance.
- Formal investigation and sanctions: Reports are followed through an established handling process, with administrative sanctions imposed when an individual is proven to have committed sexual violence. Sanctions range from written warnings to suspension and permanent dismissal, depending on the severity of the violation.
- Awareness and reporting channels: UPH is required to provide sexual-violence reporting services and conduct awareness and training activities for members of the university community, strengthening awareness of prevention, reporting, and available protections.
Through this comprehensive framework, UPH ensures that individuals who report discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence have access to confidentiality, protection from threats and retaliation, support services, and continued educational or employment rights. The establishment of a dedicated Satgas PPKPT further institutionalises UPH’s commitment to ensuring that members of the university community can report incidents safely and have their reports addressed through a formal and accountable mechanism.