Ministry of Social Affairs Coordinates NV Cases for Children Victims of Sexual Violence

LAMPUNG (11 July 2020) - The case of sexual violence experienced by NV (14) was reported by the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Bandar Lampung to the Head of the Lampung Province Social Service on Monday (6/7) regarding the application for a safe house and the fulfillment of daily needs and psychological assistance.

The complainant (DAS) is an employee of the Integrated Service Center for the Protection of Women and Children (P2TP2A) East Lampung Regency. The incident began when DAS came to NV with the intention of providing psychological recovery for her, because NV had also experienced a similar incident in the past and the perpetrator had been sentenced to 14 (fourteen) years in prison by the Sukadana District Court.

DAS as a P2TP2A person, explained to the victim's father for one month NV was monitored at the Quarantine House or Safe House to be given counseling and assistance. However, NV actually experienced sexual violence about 10 (ten) times. DAS also offered BA to NV to serve it in exchange for Rp 700 thousand. The money was given to NV in the amount of Rp. 500 thousand and Rp. 200 thousand for DAS.

The incident was repeated several times, until finally the family asked LBH Bandar Lampung as the Legal Counsel to accompany the Police Reporting process.

The Ministry of Social Affairs through the Directorate of Child Social Rehabilitation coordinates the handling and psychosocial support for victims of NV at the Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) Lampung Province, Saturday (11/7). The team also had time to meet NV and confirm her health. In the meeting, although she didn't talk much, NV seemed healthy and willing to interact with the team.

The Head of the Sub-Directorate of Social Rehabilitation of Children Against the Law (ABH) of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Meerada Saryati stated that the implementation of child protection pays attention to the best interests of the child in accordance with Law Number 11 of 2012 on Crimin Justice System of Children (SPPA).

"SPPA is the entire process of resolving cases of Children in Conflict with the Law (ABH), starting from the investigation stage to the stage of mentoring after serving a crime," explained Meerada.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Sub-Directorate for Children Needing Special Protection (AMPK) of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Cup Santo, who was also present at the meeting, stated that in handling the NV case, he used a family and community approach. "The environmental situation in East Lampung requires that we also intervene in the community because the majority of the female population work as TKW abroad," said Cup Santo.

Furthermore, synergies and collaborations with cross-sectoral stakeholders are needed for child protection in the Lampung region. In collaboration on handling cases in the field, the Ministry of Social Affairs and KPPA have intersecting tasks, where KPPA and its UPTD PPA provide protection. The Ministry of Social Affairs through the Social Service and Social Worker Service Unit (Sakti Peksos) with the support of the Trauma Center Protection House (RPTC) will carry out Social Rehabilitation.

"In every stage of the implementation of handling cases, we still respect the opinion of the child, NV still wants to go back to school and return to her hometown," added Cup Santo. Therefore, it is also necessary to strengthen social institutions in their environment such as schools and communities around the children's homes.

The Lampung Provincial Social Service has agreed to prepare a Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) for the Distribution of Authority in Handling Problems with Victims of Violence. Present on this occasion were the Acting Head of the Lampung Province Social Service, Heryana Romdhoni and the Head of the Lampung Province Social Rehabilitation Division, Ratna Fitriani.

Supervisor of Sakti Peksos Lampung Province, Muhammad Khayuridlo said that the preparation of social reports and further assistance would be in collaboration between Sakti Peksos in East Lampung Regency and the RPTC of the Social Service of the Lampung Provincy.

"There are 11 Sakti Peksos Lampung, we are ready to carry out Peksos Goes To School (PGTS) and Peksos Goes To Community (PGTC) as a form of prevention and dissemination of protection for the best interests of children," said Ridlo.