Various acts of sexual violence against children are criminal activities that should be stopped immediately, considering their impact can reverberate into the futureJakarta (ANTARA) - Sexual violence cases involving children should be handled in a transparent manner, People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Deputy Speaker Lestari Moerdijat has said.
"Various acts of sexual violence against children are criminal activities that should be stopped immediately, considering their impact can reverberate into the future," she said in a written statement released here on Friday.
Moerdijat delivered the statement in response to a case involving the alleged rape of three children by their father in East Luwu, South Sulawesi. She expressed her greatest sympathy with the victims.
Related news: Mothers must increase awareness on sexual violence against girls
Cases of child sexual violence are quite complicated since they usually involve people who are known to the victim, she said.
She pressed all parties involved in the handling of sexual violence cases involving children to put forth facts in a transparent manner to aid fair and accurate decision-making.
In addition to transparency, the handling of child sexual violence cases should also prioritize the protection of victims, she said. The discussion surrounding Sexual Violence Criminal Act Bill (RUU-TPKS) is expected to be completed promptly to help victims' assert their rights, she added.
Related news: Public literacy on sexual violence bill still low: Komnas Perempuan
The RUU-TPKS will serve as an instrument to provide legal assurance, so that the state can play an active role in protecting the rights of sexual violence victims, Moerdijat explained.
Based on data from the Women and Children Protection Online Information System (Simfoni PPA), 5,463 cases of violence against children were recorded in Indonesia as of July 2021. Of these cases, around 5,198 happened within the confines of homes, Moerdijat noted.
Related news: Open trials called problem in resolving gender-based violence: SAFEnet
The high number of sexual violence cases and issues in handling them should encourage legislators in the parliament to ratify the RUU-TPKS, she added.
She said she hoped that stakeholders would improve their efforts for preventing and handling child sexual violence cases.
Related news: Weightlifting: After announcing retirement, Deni plans to return home
Related news: Jayapura shooting range equipped for global matches: official
Translator: Fauzi, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
