Highlighting Domestic Violence Cases In Families At Risk, Puan: Stop Violence Against Children!

Photo by Sergi Dolcet Escrig on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Cases of domestic violence (KDRT) in families are at risk, which makes children victims increasingly widespread. Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, hopes that there will be programs that can prevent domestic violence.

"Violence against children is a serious problem that requires mutual attention. There must be comprehensive efforts to overcome cases of violence against children, which are increasingly being found every day," said Puan, Wednesday, August 7.

Puan was also concerned about the occurrence of several cases of violence against children by her parents or family. Such as the violence that befell a 1 year old toddler in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, until the victim died as a result of being slammed by his own biological mother on August 4.

Recently, there was also a biological father who took his son hostage and wrapped around his one-year-old son to make his son miss with cigarettes because he was angry with his wife. Puan said that violence on children should not be allowed.

These children are innocent, why should they be victims ofuzing adults who should protect them. Children are God's trust that must be maintained. Stop violence against children! " said the mother of two.

Violence against children by their own parents often occurs in risky families. Families are at risk in a family situation or condition that can threaten family health due to their physical, mental, and socio-economic state.

The two cases that occurred were considered as the aftermath of the emotional instability of parents in dealing with domestic problems. The state is considered to have a role in family resilience in the community so that it must intervene to overcome the phenomenon of violence against children by their families.

There is a lot of homework that must be completed in dealing with families at risk. Starting from economic problems, education, mental health of the community, equitable development, to justice for all people. This is a big job that is a shared responsibility," said Puan.

The resilience of Indonesian families must be achieved even though the challenges are quite large. Of course, it requires the participation of policy makers. If family resilience is achieved, child protection is also guaranteed," he continued.

According to Puan, one of the efforts that must be made immediately to prevent domestic violence in risky families is to provide assistance and care guidance and health services for the community. Lack of literacy is often the reason innocent children become victims of violence from irresponsible adults.

Assistance can be done by relevant ministries and institutions, including the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI).

"It is very sad and concerned to see the rampant cases of violence that befell children and even babies due to irresponsible parents' behavior. By providing assistance to families at risk, it is hoped that it can reduce acts of violence against children," explained Puan.

Bung Karno's grandson added that the Government also needs to provide support services for children who are victims of violence, including psychological counseling and health services. In addition, said Puan, there is also the supervision and implementation of strict parenting policies as has been implemented in various developed countries.

"Although we cannot fully adopt, service for child welfare in several developed countries can be used as an example. Because through this service, the state really guarantees the safety and security of children, including from its own parents," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture,

"Collaboration is needed between the government, the DPR, social institutions, various elements of the nation, and the community itself to prevent violence against children," added Puan.

Puan also appealed to the public to report to the authorities or related agencies if they saw firsthand the existence of domestic violence in their environment.

"There is no need to hesitate or be afraid because there is already a law governing it. Immediately report it if you see any indication of violence against children anywhere. The community also plays a very important role in reducing the threat of violence against children," said the first woman who served as Chair of the DPR RI.

In Law Number 23 of 2004 concerning the Elimination of Domestic Violence (UU PKDRT), every person (including the child's parents) who commits acts of physical violence within the household can be subject to criminal penalties.

Then, child safety guarantees are also listed in Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection.

"Legal action against perpetrators must be in line with mental health checks. There is no justification for violence, but the mental health condition of the perpetrators is also important to know for the best legal handling," concluded Puan.