"There is no excuse whatsoever, including religion, that can justify acts of sexual violence," Minister Arifah Fauzi said in Jakarta on Tuesday, responding to a sexual abuse case involving two children allegedly abused by a religious leader in Bekasi Regency, West Java.
She added that the Ministry is coordinating with local governments to provide assistance and support to the victims’ families.
"We continue to coordinate with the Women and Children Protection Technical Implementation Units (UPTD PPA) of Bekasi City, Bekasi Regency, and West Java Province to provide assistance and accompaniment for the victims’ families - both legal and psychological support - to ensure they can optimally participate in the legal process and receive rehabilitative care," she said.
The two victims, identified only as S and Z, have received various support services from the Bekasi Regency UPTD PPA.
Services provided to the victims include complaint handling and psychological services for both victims and their families, carried out by the Bekasi City UPTD PPA.
Further psychological treatment and assessments have been provided twice, along with legal assistance facilitated by the Bekasi Regency UPTD PPA.
Ongoing coordination and monitoring of the case handling are conducted by the West Java UPTD PPA.
"The state is present to ensure that the victims’ rights are fulfilled and that justice is served. We also express our condolences to the victims over this incident and hope both remain strong throughout the recovery and legal processes ahead," she added.
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Translator: Anita, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Primayanti
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