CRITICIZING THE SILENCE OF THE RELIGIONS IN ADDRESSING VIOLENCE TOWARD WOMEN

Theologically, men and women are created equally, as ‘Imago Dei’. However in the reality of social-cultural-religion, there are often injustices between the two that leads to violence, especially toward women. The distinction between men and women has brought disadvantages for women over their condition and position in the aspects of social politics, economy as well as culture. Religion, in fact, can also oppress women. This writing is to criticize the role of religious institution in addressing the case of violence toward women. The data are directly obtained from the women and religion institution in Central of Java (Semarang, Salatiga, Yogyakarta) by using in-depth intervieus, participatory observation and supported with bibliographical studies. Data analysis is carried out in the descriptive qualitative method.