Schools are supposed to be safe places for children to pursue and gain knowledge, and not the other way aroundJakarta (ANTARA) - Power relations was a strong factor in sexual violence cases occurring in schools or educational scopes, according to the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK).
"The mode and impact of that act was tremendous," Deputy Chairperson of LPSK Livia Iskandar stated here on Thursday.
"Once, LPSK handled a sexual violence case (perpetrated) by teacher assisted by fellow peers of the victim themselves. The scene was in the school during school hours," she elaborated.
The agency noted that 25 percent of people requesting protection were victims of sexual violence that occurred in educational institutions.
"Almost 25 percent of the applicants are victims of sexual violence in educational institutions. What does that mean? (Sexual) violence exists," he emphasized.
The agency is highlighting the sexual violence case in West Java that was committed by Herry Wirawan, the Islamic boarding school's leader, who raped many students. The case had a power relation aspect at play, between the perpetrator and the victim.
"Surprisingly, the incident lasted for a long time, and not many know about it," Iskandar remarked.
Iskandar also noted that the perpetrators of sexual violence in educational institutions range from educators, staff, and also owners and administrators.
"Schools are supposed to be safe places for children to pursue and gain knowledge, and not the other way around," she stressed.
According to the agency's report, in 2022, some 634 people issued an appeal for protection from sexual violence crimes. Of that figure, 379 applicants were victims, of which 84 of them were victims of sexual violence that took place in the educational scope.
She detailed the data further, saying that 45 victims were abused in Islamic boarding schools, thereby making the institution one with the most number of sexual violence cases. Meanwhile, 10 victims were abused in Qur'an recitation establishments, while six were abused in places of worship. Some 19 people were abused in general education schools, whereas one victim was abused in the university.
She noted that the sexual violence victims, who issued appeal for protection to the agency, had yet to elaborate on the actual incident they had experienced. The agency believed that there were still many more victims; either those who had reported to authorities, but had yet to request protection to the agency; or those who did not report their case at all.
She reminded all parents to be selective in choosing the right educational institutions for their children.
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Translator: M Zulfikar, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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