Digital Literacy as a Strategy for Preventing and Handling Sexual Violence in the Indonesian Academic Communities

Mite Setiansah; Nuryanti; Edi Santoso; Tri Wuryaningsih

doi:10.17231/comsoc.47(2025).5731

Authors

Mite Setiansah Communication Department, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7623-5581
Nuryanti Communication Department, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7233-7628
Edi Santoso Communication Department, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8178-5740
Tri Wuryaningsih Sociology Department, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5746-7483

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17231/comsoc.47(2025).5731

Keywords:

digital literacy, prevention and handling of sexual violence, higher education academic community

Abstract

Sexual violence in universities represents an iceberg phenomenon. The Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education has identified sexual violence as one of the most serious issues facing higher education. In response, the ministry enacted a regulation to address the prevention and handling of sexual violence (PHSV) within universities. While there is extensive research on the implementation of this regulation, as well as on the controversies surrounding it and the handling of sexual violence cases in universities, limited studies have explored the association between the prevention and management of such cases and the digital literacy levels among university community members. On the other hand, socialization and prevention programs related to sexual violence are mostly conducted through digital media platforms. This study employed qualitative research methods to assess the digital literacy levels of university community members in relation to PHSV. Initial data was collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and documentation of informants. The findings highlight that preventing and addressing sexual violence cannot be effectively achieved solely by disseminating PHSV information via digital media. These efforts must be supported by initiatives to enhance digital literacy across university communities. This research provides valuable insights into the intersection of digital literacy and gender-based violence prevention, particularly in academic settings. Methodologically, the study demonstrates the adequacy of the qualitative approaches in comprehensively exploring and describing this phenomenon. Moreover, the study contributes to the broader academic discourse by illustrating how social and digital media shape perceptions of sexual violence and play a critical role in raising awareness.

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Author Biographies

Mite Setiansah, Communication Department, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia

Mite Setiansah is a lecturer at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, specializing in media literacy, gender, and communication studies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences from the Universitas Gadjah Mada, a master’s degree in Communication Sciences from the Universitas Sebelas Maret, and a doctorate in Cultural and Media Studies from the Universitas Gadjah Mada. Since 2013, she has conducted extensive research and community service, primarily focusing on media literacy, media and cultural studies, as well as gender and communication studies. She has also published several articles related to digital literacy in both national and international journals.

Nuryanti, Communication Department, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia

Nuryanti is a researcher with a strong focus on the intersection of communication, development, and community empowerment. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communication Science from Gadjah Mada University, followed by a doctoral program in Extension and Development Communication from the same institution. Throughout her career, Nuryanti has contributed extensively to her field, publishing numerous articles in both national and international journals.

Edi Santoso, Communication Department, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia

Edi Santoso is a lecturer in the Department of Communication Sciences at the Jenderal Soedirman University, specializing in journalism and media literacy. Drawing on his experience as a journalist, Edi actively contributes articles to various national media outlets, book chapters, and also scientific journals, both national and international. His work primarily focuses on the themes of journalism and locality.

Tri Wuryaningsih, Sociology Department, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia

Tri Wuryaningsih is a lecturer in the Sociology program specializing in issues of women, gender, and children. She is also an engaged activist advocating against sexual violence and promoting gender equality. Tri completed her doctoral studies in Sociology at the Gadjah Mada University, where she wrote a dissertation focused on children in conflict with the law.

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