Assigning Psychologists and Psychiatrists, MoSA Helps Overcome Trauma of Rape Victims in Batang

BATANG (May 16, 2023) - The Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini assigned psychologists and psychiatrists to deal with the trauma experienced by victims of rape in Batang. The results of psychological examinations of several victims experienced mood and behavioral disorders which caused shame, easily offended, reluctant to socialize with others, and had low self-confidence.

To ensure that the victims received proper treatment, the Minister was present to meet the victims and their parents. The Minister of Social Affairs was present for two cases, the first was the rape case involving AAW (12), a child with multiple disabilities who was raped by T (52) -- a barber. Second, 13 male students (six of whom were minors) were victims of the rape of TS (44), a religious teacher.

"Yes, earlier in the conversation with me, there were some children who expressed feelings of anger, shame, disbelief and so on. Therefore, psychological therapy is needed. I have prepared officers, both psychologists and psychiatrists to deal with the trauma," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

Under the direction of the Minister, MoSA Team deployed officers to provide psychological treatment to the victim i.e. trauma healing, group counseling, individual counseling and hypnotherapy to help release negative emotions and to strengthen the victim's psychological condition.

Officers also provided education to the victim on how to avoid harassment. This was given so that similar incidents would not happen again, and the victim would immediately report or tell if they or someone close to them were threatened with sexual harassment.

To maximize handling, the Ministry of Social Affairs Team also provided psychosocial support to the victim's family with counseling and education related to childcare and assistance.

On the same occasion, the Head of the Kartini Integrated Center in Temanggung, Iyan Kusmadiana, stated that the team had been working on an assessment since this case was revealed to the public. The team has accompanied the victim in a medical examination at the nearest health facility. "The obtained results stated the victim is in good health but needs to pay attention to a healthy lifestyle, personal hygiene, diet and rest," said Iyan.

ATENSI and Entrepreneurship Assistance

The Ministry of Social Affairs also provides Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) assistance to meet decent living needs i.e. basic necessities, namely rice, cooking oil, soy sauce, and sardines; additional nutrition in the form of milk, honey, and biscuits, cleaning supplies, namely soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, dish soap, and detergent, prayer equipment in the form of sarongs, koko shirts and prayer mats.

Other ATENSI assistance is school supplies for 6 children who are still in school i.e. notebooks, pens, type x, pencils, erasers, school bags, shoes, and school uniforms. The total ATENSI assistance to the victims is IDR72,800,000.

The Ministry of Social Affairs also provides entrepreneurship assistance to 6 parents of child victims with entrepreneurial plans. The parents of the victim with the initials (Ah) received assistance to sell snacks, drinks, fried foods and iced juice. On the other hand, the parents of victim Hm received a sewing machine, overlock machine and sewing equipment.

Assistance for the parents of victim Ab is a sewing machine and overlock machine. The parents of victim Ry received assistance to sell fried foods and iced juice. The parents of victim Di received assistance for a grocery stall business. At last, parents of victim Af received assistance for selling cakes and wet snacks.

"For adult victims, we also provide entrepreneurship assistance in the form of sewing machines and sewing equipment (Kho) and assistance for selling chicken (Ar)," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

As a follow-up, the Ministry of Social Affairs together with the social services and social rehabilitation assistants continue to provide ongoing assistance and monitoring of the psychological and social conditions of the victims and their families.

Officers will ensure that victims can continue their education and can carry out daily activities comfortably in the community.

The Ministry of Social Affairs team also monitors and supervises the implementation of entrepreneurship assistance by the parents of victims, both those who are just starting a business and those who are already in the development process.

"Finally, the Ministry of Social Affairs also monitors the ongoing legal process so that the perpetrators receive the maximum punishment according to the regulations, "said Iyan.