Social Affairs Minister Relocates Families of Stepfather’s Rape Victim in Surabaya

SURABAYA (11 February 2024) - Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini will relocate a stepfather’s rape victim in Surabaya to the Ministry of Social Affairs' Integrated Center in Surakarta. This action was taken to provide comprehensive recovery to the victim. Not only will the victim be transferred to Surakarta, but so will her sibling and biological mother.

The Minister met with the victim and her family at their home and persuaded them to consent to the relocation. In terms of the legal process, the Minister assured the family that the victim may appear in court via video conference. Aside from being beneficial to the victim, the relocation to the Soeharso Integrated Center in Surakarta will also provide physical therapy to the victim's younger sibling, who has a disability that prevents her sibling from walking normally at the age of six.

Meanwhile, the victim's mother will receive business capital to support the family’s economy. However, the Minister asked the mother to participate in vocational training. "We will first examine to determine your preferences; do you want to cook or sew? Later, I will offer you capital and all of the necessary equipment," the Minister told the victim's mother on Sunday (11/2).

Head of the Soeharso Integrated Center, Mas Kahono Agung, stated that his party facilitated testing to assess the victim's mental state. Then, psychological and physical exams will be performed. "Earlier we took her to a psychiatrist, this afternoon we will take her for a physical test to check for HIV and then other possible concerns," he went on to say.

Agung stated that his party also assisted the victim's ongoing education. So far, the victim has dropped out of school; consequently, the Ministry of Social Affairs will work to get the child back to formal education. Aside from that, the Ministry of Social Affairs has supplied some aid in the form of basic necessities, additional nutrition, and clothes.