BLOCKING SEXUAL VIOLENCE

 Blocking Sexual Violence Against Children

 
By: Masbahur Roziqi

 
The author is a teacher of guidance and counseling at SMK Negeri 1 Probolinggo

 

Cases of sexual violence against children continue to roll. Never ending. This can be seen from several incidents of sexual crimes that have befallen children in recent months. The latest, a sodomy case that befell dozens of children. The culprit is sad. Honorary teachers in an elementary school in the Banten area. Wawan Setiadi alias babeh, claimed to have sodomed boys aged 8-15 years. The mode with lure will give semar mesem amulet. This crime has been committed since March 2017. 

The same was done by AKN, an honorary teacher of SMPN 184 East Jakarta who committed sexual violence to 16 of his students. The victim is 11-16 years old. All are students. Most students in the place teach. Some are teenagers in the Rebo market area. The mode is to invite the student to help recap the value by staying at his house. During the stay, sexual violence occurred. This takes place starting in 2016.Sexual violence is also vulnerable to child abuse. Namely the perpetrators are still children. 

 This is like a study by the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs and ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purpose) of Indonesia concerning child sex offenders by child offenders. As many as 67 percent of sexual violence is carried out by force. As many as 87 percent of victims knew the perpetrators, and ironically 61.22 percent of the perpetrators still lived with their parents.

 These facts show that children are now surrounded by sexual crimes. Both time and actors are also unexpected. Some actors who are supposed to be child protectors instead behave otherwise. Of course this is a dilemma for children. One side they need a protector. But on the other hand, it does not rule out the possibility that their protectors are potential perpetrators of sexual crimes against children. This is what needs to be concentrated by various parties.

 Blocking sexual violence is something that cannot be negotiable anymore. Schools and families play a big role in this great mission. Children are the next generation of the nation. Sexual violence experienced by vulnerable children results in a weakening of self-esteem and the child's self-concept.First, the school needs to socialize the rights and obligations of children to all school members. The goal, so that all parties understand the rights and obligations of children. So that there is awareness and knowledge if there is a violation of children's rights. So far, many do not know the rights and obligations of the child as a whole.  

The point of the majority of school people regarding this matter has the effect of ignoring the violation of children's rights. Sexual violence is a real violation in children to live in peace.Second, inviting families to collaborate to understand children. Each student has his own uniqueness. Some are open to sharing their life experiences, but not a few choose to be closed. Well, the role of schools and families is seen here. During this time, several cases of sexual violence against children have long been revealed because children do not want to share the violence they experienced with others.  Both parents and teachers need to approach children with non-violent and non-forced methods to invite children to talk. Open to discuss the problem. Do not attack children with guilty prejudices first. Listen carefully to children. Receive and understand the feelings they experience. 

Third, specifically child offenders, schools and families should approach educational and humanist methods. Dialogue with them. Ask the reason why they committed the violence. Position them in the position of the victim. And ask them about their feelings if they experience sexual violence like a victim. Next invite them to apologize. If necessary, invite them to meet some victims of sexual violence and listen to stories directly from the victims. How the suffering of the victims, as well as the negative views received by the victims.  

Then the victim's attempt to get up. Everything aims to foster empathy for child offenders. So that it does not repeat its actions.The concept of children as gifts needs to be instilled in all parties. That children have their own potential. And if directed, they will find their own potential. The hope is for the child to be able to color this country with its positive potential. Sexual violence experienced by children is a crime. Our duty is to save the child from this crime. Hopefully.