LPSK: Power Relations Influence Sexual Violence In School Environments

Illustration of sexual violence. (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPKS) Livia Iskandar said the factor of power relations affected cases of sexual violence in the school environment or the realm of education.

"The mode and impact of the act is extraordinary," said LPSK Deputy Chairman Livia Iskandar in Jakarta, Thursday, January 19.

LPSK recorded more than 25 percent of victims of sexual violence seeking protection related to the world of education.

"LPSK has handled cases of sexual violence by unscrupulous teachers assisted by students of the victim's own friends, the scene in the school room and school hours," he said, quoted by Antara.

LPSK highlighted cases of sexual violence in West Java by Herry Wirawan. The perpetrator is the head of the Islamic boarding school who raped dozens of students. In this case, it is reflected in the perpetrator's power relationship with the victim.

"Surprisingly, the incident took a long time and not many people know," he said.

In addition to the strong power relationship factor, Livia revealed that perpetrators of sexual violence in the world of education range from unscrupulous teachers, officers or employees to owners and administrators of foundations.

"Schools should be a safe place for children to pursue and gain knowledge, not the other way around," he stressed.

Based on LPSK records in 2022, there were 634 applicants for protection of sexual violence. Of that number, 379 applicants were victims and 84 of them were victims of sexual violence related to the world of education.

"Almost 25 percent of applicants are victims of sexual violence related to the world of education. What does that mean? Violence (sexual) exists," he said.

If you look further, he explained, pesantren is the scene with the most 45 victims, a place to recite 10 victims, and a place of worship for six victims, while in public education schools are the most crime scenes with 19 victims and one victim at the university.

According to him, victims of sexual violence who ask for protection from LPSK have not described the actual incident. LPSK believes there are many other victims, both those who have reported to law enforcement officers but have not applied for protection to LPSK or those who did not report at all.

He reminded every parent to be selective in choosing a place of education for their children.