The Reference Only Complaint Unit (UPR) was formed in 2005. The unit is the response of Komnas Perempuan towards the increasing cases of the violence against women filed. In 2004, for instance, there were 221 cases filed; in 2005 the number increased to 595. The majority of the complainers don’t have the slightest idea on who to complain to and how they can file their complaints.

The unit is for reference only for Komnas Perempuan doesn’t have the mandate to directly address the cases. The volunteers in the unit only help identify the needs and refer them to the competent institutions that may offer help.

In performing their functions, the UPR enlist the help of volunteers, recruited annually. The mechanism was aimed at a greater public participation in eliminating violence against women.

The UPR has programs such as below:

• Volunteers’ recruitment. Organized in several stages: the annual publication of vacancies, usually in June; written test and interviews for the applicants; and preparatory trainings for the accepted volunteers.
• Case conferences. These events are organized in order to increase the volunteers’ capacities. Here the volunteers have the opportunities to share their experience with other volunteers and with the staff of service-oriented institutions.
• Caring for givers. These events are organized as a buffer zone for the volunteers to help them avoid infected by “second trauma.”
• Visits to partners’ offices. These events are organized to provide communication and coordination tools with the service-oriented institutions in order to increase the quality of service for the woman victims of violence.