MoSA Provides Assistances to Child Victims of Sexual Violence in Bojonegoro

BOJONEGORO (March 1, 2023) - Victims of sexual violence, especially minors, are part of a vulnerable group that must receive protection. This is one of the focuses of the Ministry of Social Affairs to be present to provide protection to victims and their families.

One of the cases that happened to FNH (14) in Bojonegoro Regency, East Java Province. She experienced sexual violence by her stepfather until she was seven months pregnant.

As the instruction of the Minister of Social Affairs through the "Kartini" Center in Temanggung, Ministry of Social Affairs immediately responded quickly to the case to provide various assistance, such as assistance with medical examinations, legal assistance, psychosocial assistance for victims and victims' families, and nutritional assistance.

As a first step, the Ministry of Social Affairs accompanied the victim during the pregnancy examination with social workers and midwives who will monitor the development of FNH's pregnancy health condition until the birth process. "FNH is also provided with additional nutritional assistance, basic necessities, as well as childbirth needs and baby equipment," said Head of the "Kartini" Center in Temanggung Iyan Kusmadiana, Tuesday (28/2).

The Ministry of Social Affairs also provides legal process assistance for victims by coordinating and confirming the legal process for the perpetrator (S) with law enforcement officials. After coordinating, the Ministry of Social Affairs will continue to oversee the legal process until the perpetrator receives the maximum penalty.

"First, we provide assistance to the child during the examination at the local police. Then, we make sure that all are in child protection conditions and also the articles imposed are in accordance with the applicable regulations so that there is a deterrent effect on him (the perpetrator)," said Iyan.

To support FNH to stay in school, the Ministry of Social Affairs coordinated with FNH's school not to expel FNH from the school. This was done so that FNH, who is still eager to learn, can continue her school from home for a while. The Ministry of Social Affairs also provided school supplies to FNH.

"We have also communicated with FNH's school, to ensure that she continues to study from home. Then also, later we will help find the right school for her when she graduates. Well, there is already a guarantee for school," said Iyan.

In addition to legal assistance and assistance during medical examinations, psychosocial assistance is also provided to victims and their families. The victim and the victim's mother also underwent an IQ Test. As a result, the victim and her mother are indicated to have intellectual disabilities because they have a low IQ with debil calculations. For initial treatment, the victim was given hypnotherapy, as well as strengthening and motivation to the victim's family.

Iyan revealed that the assistance process for FNH and her family is still very long. Social Affairs Minister Risma also ordered that FNH and her mother, who works as a household assistant, be immediately given PKH assistance with a disability component.

"The Minister of Social Affairs also ordered to immediately include PKH for disabilities. Because her mother has mental disabilities, intellectual disabilities. Thus, she can later get protection through social assistance, which is clear every month. So, this case is still long," said Iyan.

The Ministry of Social Affairs will continue to monitor FNH's condition, until she gives birth and will continue to assist the legal process until it is completed. In the future, the Ministry of Social Affairs will continue to provide social rehabilitation services to FNH and her family through their potential and abilities so that appropriate vocational training can be provided. It is hoped that FNH and her family can improve their standard of living and become economically independent.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs RI