Bad News, Domestic Violence Cases In South Kalimantan Increase During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Head of Public Relations of the South Kalimantan Police, Kombes Pol. Mochamad Rifa'i. (Photo: Firman/Antara)

JAKARTA - The South Kalimantan Police noted that cases of violence against women and children increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially domestic violence (KDRT). "The number of cases handled in the first half of 2021 has reached more than sixty percent of cases throughout 2020," explained Head of Public Relations of the South Kalimantan Police, Kombes Pol. Mochamad Rifa'i in Banjarmasin, reported by Antara, Thursday, August 19. Until mid-2021, the Women and Children Service Unit of Sub-Directorate 4 Renakta Ditreskrimum of the South Kalimantan Police handled 147 cases consisting of 68 cases of violence against women and 79 cases Meanwhile, during 2020, there were a total of 214 cases consisting of 94 cases of violence against women and 120 cases of violence against children.

Of the crimes that occurred, the majority of domestic violence cases were 32 cases. Rifa'i admitted, domestic violence was triggered by economic problems as a result of the pandemic between husbands and wives. "Most of these husband and wife cases end in divorce because there is no peaceful way," he explained. There is also domestic violence with parents against their children. The police are trying to mediate so that family relations return to harmony. "But parents as perpetrators also make a statement so that they do not repeat their actions. If it happens again, stricter action in the form of punishment is ready to be given," said Rifa'i. handled by the police. Among them are 23 cases of molestation, 5 cases of sexual abuse and rape, one case of sexual intercourse and another two cases. Meanwhile, cases of violence against children are dominated by sexual abuse and rape with 19 cases each, followed by 18 cases of sexual abuse, 14 cases of abuse, and escape. six cases of children, two cases of beatings and one case of unpleasant behavior. "In addition to law enforcement, violence against women and children of course must also put forward educational efforts so that events do not happen. It must be realized that there are legal consequences even though it is in the family sphere," said Rifa'i.