Examining the efforts of the Aceh Government in dealing with child victims of sexual violence

Abstract

The increasing incidence of violence against children, especially cases of sexual violence in Aceh, has raised questions about the performance of the Aceh government stakeholders in handling this case. Based on this, this study seeks to examine: 1) the efforts having been made by the Aceh government in dealing with cases of sexual violence against children and 2) the constraints of the Aceh government in coping with cases of sexual violence against children. This field research was designed in a qualitative descriptive manner using analytical research methods. There were eight purposively selected informants who were used as a source of data for this research. The techniques to collect data were observation, interviews and documentation studies. The techniques used in processing and analysing the data were data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing/verification. The findings indicated that the efforts made by the Aceh government in overcoming the problem of sexual violence in Aceh, especially against children, are prevention, handling and empowerment efforts through socialization and other efforts that involve various parties. In addition, there is special treatment for the victim and the perpetrator. Furthermore, the results of the study also revealed that there are three main aspects that become obstacles in overcoming cases of sexual violence against children, namely from the community, bureaucracy and Aceh government agencies.

The contribution of the regional child protection commission of Bangka Belitung in dealing with children victims of sexual violence

“…As such, the contribution of the Regional Child Protection Commission (KPAD) of Bangka Belitung Islands Province in dealing with the children victims of sexual violence and abuse should be supported by local stake holders, such as educators, activists, local governments, local cultural and religious leaders, and the KPAD. These organic and non-organic governmental bodies have tremendous roles according to their capacities as a handful of researchers supported these findings (Fatmawati, 2016;Fitri et al, 2021;Nashriyah et al, 2021;Nisah, 2017, Nursiti et al, 2019.…”

“…As mentioned by Fitri et al (2021), academics whether are students, researchers, or faculty members should take stand for this matter. Furthermore, according to Nashriyah et al (2021) and Nursiti et al (2019), the government of Aceh Province has sought to combat the child sexual violence through education and adequate information being socialized to society in order to prevent the negative consequences of the sexual violence as well as cure the child victims via various humane programs such as trauma healing, rehabilitation, physical and psychological restoration, economic empowerment, education, and preparation for life development. As such, the contribution of the Regional Child Protection Commission (KPAD) of Bangka Belitung Islands Province in dealing with the children victims of sexual violence and abuse should be supported by local stake holders, such as educators, activists, local governments, local cultural and religious leaders, and the KPAD.…”

“…Given the aforementioned literature, it seems to be that availability of research reports in the locus related the treatments handled by counselors and child workers at the Bangka Belitung Islands Province are inadequate. Many research reports connective to the topic are based on rigorous studies in other provinces outside Bangka Belitung ranging from roles of family and parents in solving problems of children sexual abuse (Nursiti et al, 2019;Solehati et al, 2021), the stress disorder suffered by children victims of sexual violence (Fatmawati, 2016), roles of society and academics to take stand for rejecting sexual abuse against children (Fitri et al, 2021;Nisah, 2017), to roles of provincial governments to combat such cases (Nashriyah et al, 2021;Nursiti et al, 2019). Thus, to address the gap, this study aims to carry out an in-depth exploration of how the Regional Child Protection Commission (KPAD) of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province handles the children victims of sexual violence.…”

Gender-based Dayah: The Role of Female Ulama in Trauma Recovery Strategies for Sexual Violence Victims in Aceh

“…However, several data related to crime cases were found in Aceh; one of them was cases of sexual violence. 24 It shows that the rules of Islamic law that apply in Aceh and the practices that occur in society are imbalanced.…”

Government's legal policy on the protection of women and children pre- and post-illegal marriages

“…Furthermore, Article 2, paragraph (1) states that "Marriage is valid if performed according to the laws of each religion and belief." It means that if a marriage is not carried out based on the religion and beliefs of each party, it will not be legally approved (Hermawan 2021).…”