The memoir Broken String, published at the beginning of 2026 by Indonesian actress Aurelie Moeremans, has sparked public discussion regarding grooming and sexual abuse. The book details Moeremans’ experiences as a teenager in an abusive relationship with an older partner.
Recognizing Forms of Relationship Abuse
The memoir highlights a gap in legal definitions within Indonesia regarding grooming and coercive control. Whereas these forms of violence are recognized as harmful, they currently lack specific legal categorization.
Historically, defining crimes has been a gradual process. For example, sexual harassment was not clearly defined in the United States until the late 1970s, following work by feminist thinkers. This led to legal recognition through cases like Barnes v. Costle in 1977.
Similar to the evolution of understanding sexual harassment, Aurelie Moeremans’ story illustrates how a lack of clear definitions can leave victims unprotected. When she initially shared her experiences on Facebook in 2014, she faced victim-blaming, as society did not recognize her situation as criminal abuse. She also alleged that a child protection institution failed to intervene.
Criminalizing Grooming and Coercive Control
Currently, both grooming and coercive control lack clear criminal definitions in Indonesia. While Law 23 of 2004 addresses physical, psychological, sexual, and economic violence, and Law 35 of 2014 addresses child protection, coercive control—often a combination of these—is not specifically recognized.
Aurelie Moeremans’ experience involved all forms of violence: psychological, physical, economic, and sexual. Coercive control is described as a pattern of behavior used to dominate another person, restricting their freedom and decision-making abilities. This can be particularly complex when experienced by children, potentially stemming from dating partners or even parents.
Though dating violence is recorded by the National Commission on Violence Against Women in Indonesia, and violence within families is documented by the Indonesian Child Protection Commission, coercive control remains undefined as a distinct category of violence against women and children.
Aurelie’s Story and Access to Justice
It took Aurelie Moeremans eleven years and the publication of her memoir to gain widespread attention for her case. Without clear terminology and definitions, victims—especially children—may struggle to recognize and report abusive experiences.
A child-friendly legal system is essential, as children face barriers to accessing justice due to their age, dependence on adults, and the complexity of legal processes. Aurelie Moeremans’ story suggests that improving child protection law in Indonesia, and defining emerging forms of violence, is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is a pattern of behavior used by one person to dominate another, restricting their freedom, limiting their decision-making, and reducing their ability to control their own life.
What is grooming?
Grooming is a form of violence that currently lacks a clear definition in Indonesia, but involves manipulative behaviors used to build trust and exploit a victim.
Did Aurelie Moeremans name the child protection institution she alleges failed to protect her?
No, Aurelie Moeremans did not name the institution, but it was likely the Lembaga Perlindungan Anak (Child Protection Institute).
How can increased awareness and legal definitions of these forms of abuse empower victims and improve support systems in Indonesia?
