Cases Of Violence Against Children And Women In Bekasi Soared Drastically, Majority Triggered By Economic Problems

BEKASI - The Office of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (DP3A) Bekasi Regency, West Java, noted that the number of cases of violence against children and women this year jumped dramatically compared to the previous year.

"There have been hundreds of cases of violence experienced by women and children until the middle of this year," said Head of DP3A Bekasi Regency Ani Gustini in Cikarang, Antara, Tuesday, July 26.

He detailed that from the beginning of this year to June 2022, there were 114 cases of violence against children and women.

"Even though in 2021 the number is only 110 cases, this is only the first semester, it has exceeded last year's figure," he said.

Ani admitted that internal family problems such as economic factors still dominate the causes of violence against women and children. Cases of beatings or abuse are often carried out by the heads of households against their wives and children.

"The factor is family problems. Due to the pandemic yesterday, it may still be difficult to find work now after being terminated, so stress levels accumulate and violence occurs," he said.

He said the factual number of cases of violence against women and children is predicted to be higher considering that quite a number of victims do not have the courage to report.

"We urge you to report the violence experienced, don't be afraid, we will make sure to protect every whistleblower who comes to us," he said.

The Bekasi Regency Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Agency has prepared temporary shelters for children and women who are victims of violence so that similar violence does not happen again.

"We do have a shelter that specifically accommodates victims of violence against women and children. We keep the location a secret for security reasons," said the Head of the UPTD for the Protection of Women and Children at the Bekasi Regency DP3A Fahrul Fauzi.

At the shelter, victims of violence are provided with psychological assistance to overcome the trauma experienced when they become victims of violence, both sexual and sexual abuse.

"We will accompany victims of violence so that similar incidents do not happen again. If their condition is still being treated, such as the case of the water spray yesterday, our assistance will be done at the hospital," he said.

It also has an interest in ensuring that the clothing and food needs of the victims are met so that they are not only recovered mentally, but also physically.

"If the mother who is the victim still has a baby, we will give her formula milk, vitamins and food at the house," he said.