Guidelines for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in Political Parties
Strengthening Integrity, Protecting Party Members and Building Public Trust
These Guidelines for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in Political Parties have been drawn up as part of efforts to promote women’s participation in politics. In the context of democratic development, women’s involvement cannot be measured solely by representation figures, but also by the extent to which the political sphere—including political parties—is able to guarantee safety, dignity and equality for women. Without this, women’s political participation will always be overshadowed by the risk of violence, discrimination and unequal power dynamics.
Political parties are key institutions that distinguish democracy from other political systems. They serve as the primary gateway for leadership development, candidate recruitment, and the articulation of public interests. Consequently, political parties are not only required to fulfil their electoral functions but also to ensure that all their internal processes operate within a framework of ethics, justice, and respect for human rights. It is within this framework that political parties must become safe spaces for women.
This guide also represents a concrete manifestation of the mainstreaming of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Offences (the Sexual Violence Offences Act). Although it was passed by the House of Representatives in 2022, the implementation of this law across various sectors, including within political organisations, remains suboptimal. Yet, the Sexual Violence Offences Act is a public law that is legally binding and universally applicable. By taking the UU TPKS as its primary basis, this guide seeks to eliminate room for debate and subjectivity in defining and addressing sexual violence. Furthermore, the UU TPKS has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to prioritising victims’ rights, from protection and handling to recovery. All of this must form the core principles of every internal mechanism within political parties.
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