<![CDATA[Gender-based violence refers to any harmful act directed against an individual based on their sex or gender identity. Data from the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) in 2024 indicate that cases of violence against women in Indonesia increased by 9.77% to 445,502 cases, with North Sumatra ranking among the five provinces with the highest number of reported cases. This study aims to analyze the forms, causes, responses, impacts, and protective measures related to gender-based violence experienced by female workers at the Bagan Percut fish auction center. The research employed a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach through observation and in-depth interviews with informants selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The findings reveal that the most common form of violence was sexual harassment, including sexually suggestive comments, catcalling, and unwanted physical contact perpetrated by male workers, fishermen, fish traders, and buyers. Contributing factors included male-dominated working conditions, unequal power relations, inadequate supervision, and the absence of formal complaint mechanisms. The impacts included psychological, physical, social, and economic consequences. Female workers adopted various protective strategies, including avoiding perpetrators, working closely with other women, limiting interactions with male workers, choosing safer work locations, and relying on emotional support from their husbands as a support system.]]>
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