JAKARTA - Minister of Empowerment of Women and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi said that handling cases of sexual violence must have a victim perspective.
"We respect customs as part of the identity of the community. On the other hand, the protection of children and women is a priority that cannot be negotiated," said PPPA Minister Arifah Fauzi in a statement in Jakarta, Sunday, during a working visit to Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.
This is in response to reports of a number of victims of sexual violence between relatives, who were given services at the safe house of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) of Ngada Regency, who could not be returned to their home region due to social and customary considerations.
"We invite local governments, traditional leaders, and community leaders to find a just solution so that traditional values are still respected without sacrificing the rights and dignity of victims, especially women and children," he said.
He emphasized that sexual violence perpetrators must be dealt with according to applicable laws in order to prevent the potential for an increasing number of victims.
Sexual violence, especially within the family, is a crime that violates the law and deprives women and children of their rights.
"The victims are not the guilty parties. They are the parties who must be protected, restored, and supported so that they can continue to live safely and with dignity, especially if there are children born as a result of the crime," said Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi.
He added that the recovery of victims and the fulfillment of their rights were the top priority, including ensuring access to education, skills training, childcare support and social reintegration for victims.
"We are coordinating with the Ngada Regency PPA UPTD to provide comprehensive services to the victims, including protection in safe houses, legal assistance, health services, psychosocial support, and fulfillment of children's rights. All victims have also been given access to education and job training as part of the recovery and empowerment process," said Arifah Fauzi.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Ngada Regency PPA UPTD, Onni, said that the number of clinical psychologists in the region was still limited.
His party also hopes that the government can provide clinical psychologist service personnel in Ngada Regency.
"Safe houses currently provide protection and services to six victims consisting of adult women and children. The victims receive safe house protection for a long time due to social and customary considerations in their home region, where incest victims must leave their homes and families. We hope that the government can provide adequate facilities and infrastructure so that handling of victims can run faster, optimal, and comprehensive," said Onni.
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