Assisting Child Victims of Child Grooming, Dharma Guna Center of the MoSA to Provide Psychosocial Therapy

REJANG LEBONG (March 11, 2023) – A glimmer of relief appeared on D's face (15). Finally, after completing social rehabilitation at the Dharma Guna Center in Bengkulu for 10 days, she could return home. Even though she was relieved, there was still bitterness in her heart, the heartbreaking incident was still on her mind.

D experienced sexual violence by the school principal and her stepfather. The news about the case became so popular that it was noticed by the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini.

"On the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs, we immediately responded quickly to social problems that occurred in society, including the case experienced by D," said Head of the Dharma Guna Center in Bengkulu, Syam Wuryani, when interviewed by phone on Thursday (9/3).

Since the case emerged at the end of last February, the Ministry of Social Affairs through the Dharma Guna Center in Bengkulu immediately sent a team to handle D's case. Together with other stakeholders, the Ministry of Social Affairs accompanied D to provide a BAP (Investigation Report) at the police station. The team also carried out an in-depth assessment regarding the chronology of the incident. Sadly, the team discovered a surprising reality.

"Initially it was the school principal who was reported. However, after we conducted an in-depth assessment, it turned out that the child had previously experienced sexual violence from her stepfather for more than a year," said the woman who is familiarly called Yani.

According to Yani, D had already reported sexual violence to her mother by her stepfather. But instead of getting support, she was scolded. The feeling of distrust then made her bury the traumatic events she experienced.

“When we asked, the mother said she didn't see it. But strangely she was crying. We kept asking until she finally admitted it," said Yani.

The process of providing education to families about the importance of reporting acts of sexual violence is difficult. Yani admitted that her party had to strengthen several times so that D's family, namely her mother, grandfather, and grandmother, would talk. This difficulty was due to the strong power relationship between D's stepfather and D's biological mother. D's biological mother admitted that she was afraid because she had received serious threats from her husband. During the marriage, the stepfather also limited D's mother from socializing with society.

“Thank God, with encouragement from the team, her family was willing to report it. Now the stepfather has been detained and the legal process is ongoing," said Yani.

Previously, the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for Women and Child Protection (PPA), the local police, and the family agreed to take D to the Dharma Guna Center in Bengkulu. This step was taken to provide protection and rehabilitation to D.

D, who is still in junior high school, underwent a series of physical and mental health examinations facilitated by the Ministry of Social Affairs. She underwent tests for haemoglobin, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis which all showed negative results. In addition, D was taken to a psychiatrist and clinical psychologist to determine her mental condition.

During her stay at the center, D received regular therapy and counseling from social workers and psychologists. The center collaborates with the Association of Clinical Psychologists (IPK) Bengkulu in treating D. One of the treatments is recreational therapy which aims to reduce the feelings of depression she experiences and instill positive values. D was invited to buy school supplies and visit tourist attractions, while social workers and psychologists provided light counseling and positive reinforcement.

Dharma Guna Center also advocates for schools so that D can continue participating in learning activities and ensure she does not receive any stigma at school. The Ministry of Social Affairs also coordinates with the social office and local village officials to ensure that D does not become a victim of stigma in her environment.

Dharma Guna Center finally decided to return D to her family considering that the situation at home was conducive because her stepfather had been arrested. D's education is also in consideration. In addition, her psychological condition has also shown progress.

“When she was taken to the center, D looked gloomy. Sad, often cries because she feels treated harshly by her stepfather. Thank God, after a few days of being here (Center), D started to cheer up. She can even joke with social workers," said Yani.

Besides moral support, the Ministry of Social Affairs also provides material support, namely Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) i.e. adequate nutrition, personal hygiene equipment, school and worship supplies, dolls, and everyday clothing.

Meanwhile, Yani said that the Ministry of Social Affairs would continue to monitor D's case until it was resolved. “We are pushing for the Police and Kajari (District Attorney) so that the two perpetrators can be punished to the maximum. If possible, add a third," she said.

Law Number 17 of 2016 jo. Law no. 35 of 2014 jo. Law Number 23 of 2002 on Child Protection states that perpetrators of sexual violence against children can be sentenced to prison for a maximum of 15 years and if committed by parents, guardians, people who are related, child caretakers, educators, educational staff, officials in charge of child protection, or is carried out by more than one person together, the penalty is increased by 1/3 (one-third).

Yani said that the perpetrator must be punished severely because of the serious impact experienced by the child. D experienced trauma and self-confidence problems due to irresponsible actions carried out by the person who was supposed to protect her.

Child Grooming Victims

D's case started with a report from her family against the school principal. Her mother was suspicious because D often exchanged indecent messages with adult men via social media.

Furthermore, D became a victim of sexual violence by the perpetrator. This phenomenon is called Child Grooming, a type of cyber sexual crime that targets children by building emotional closeness so that children are willing to engage in sexual activity. One way is to give attention, gifts, goods, or money so that the perpetrator gains the victim's trust.

Director of Child Social Rehabilitation Kanya Eka Santi said Child Grooming is a form of exploitation of children.  According to her, adults who commit child grooming influence and persuade children so that the child does not realize that she is being taken advantage of. The level of critical thinking of minors cannot be compared to that of adults. Therefore, Kanya said, child grooming is a form of violence against children.

“What we have to resolve is from the adults themselves. Adults like this include perpetrators of crimes against children. The use of children for various personal interests or even for sexual purposes will harm the child's future, so this crime must be eradicated," she explained.

Furthermore, Kanya asked parents to supervise their children, especially the early teens. “From grade 5 to 6 (elementary school) then entered junior high school. Usually, at this time, children have certain idols. For example, girls to male teachers or vice versa. This can then also be exploited by irresponsible teachers," she explained.

Kanya explained that admiration can develop into closeness. In some cases, closeness then turns into threats. According to her with unequal power relations, children tend to become obedient.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs