Let’s break the silence on sexual violence

Let’s break the silence on sexual violence Angela Kearney ;  UNICEF Indonesia Country Representative

JAKARTA POST, 18 Januari 2013

We have all been shocked and angered by the recent cases of sexual violence against children in Indonesia and also encouraged by the swift reaction of civil society organizations, the media and government apparatus. Sexual violence against children is indeed a gross violation of children’s rights. Yet, it is tragically still a global reality for many children across all countries and social groups. It takes the form of sexual abuse, harassment, rape or sexual exploitation in various forms including prostitution or pornography.  It can happen in homes, institutions, schools, workplaces, in travel and tourism facilities, on buses (such as the recent tragic rapes in India), within communities at times of peace, natural disasters and/or conflict. It affects girls and boys of all ages. Sexual violence has its root causes in societal norms and values, held by certain individuals or groups of individuals that completely disregard the rights and wellbeing of children, social exclusion, drug and alcohol abuse, unemployment, a culture of silence and impunity as well as an insufficiently strong preventive and response system. The United Nations Conventions on the Rights (UNCRC), ratified by Indonesia, calls for all state parties to undertake measures to protect child from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.  Yet, after more than 20 years of ratification of the UNCRC, Indonesia remains unsafe for some of its children.  Frequently we are alarmed by cases of rape or sexual molestation or whatever form it could be, against especially young girls, occurring in both metropolitan and remote areas. Sadly, in most of these cases, perpetrators are the very individuals in charge of their safety and wellbeing and who are known to the child. In 2012 alone, 30 percent of the reported violence against children to the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) were related to sexual violence, and given the stigma attached to sexual violence; this is most likely only the tip of the iceberg.  The adoption in Indonesia of the Child Protection Law in 2002 and law on the elimination of domestic violence in 2004 have laid the fundamentals in ensuring the protection of children from all forms of violence including sexual violence.  Both laws clearly state that sexual violence against children is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. Despite the presence of these progressive laws to protect children, key challenges remain in the weak enforcement of the law and society’s attitude and passive tolerance of such violence against children. It is high time that all members of society — each in their own capacity — whether as religious leaders, parents, as teachers, social workers, law enforcement officials, civil society organizations, development organizations and the media — be more vocal when arguing that sexual violence against children is a fundamental violation of children’s human rights.  We should also be mindful that violence against children in its broader forms compromises individual, community and social cohesion and wellbeing.  An investment in children’s safety and development is not only in the interest of children but also all members of society and has the capacity to ensure the sustainability of social and economic development at national and community level. Just as we prioritize children’s education and health, we must also ensure that children are allowed to grow and develop in a trusting, safe and nurturing environment free of all kinds of violence. We all have a responsibility to put an end to sexual violence against children and work together to ensure that children grow and develop in a protective environment and those who in any way undermine this principle are held accountable. All our religious and spiritual as well as ethical values support such action. Let us work towards a society free of sexual violence against children. We must break the silence and speak up against sexual violence! ●