Don't Be Afraid to Report Child Violence to DP3A

Violence is often synonymous with physical assault. However, it turns out that violence can also arise from verbal. In fact, verbal violence, which is included in the realm of psychological violence, is the highest category in cases of violence against children in schools.

This was conveyed by the Head of the Office of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (DP3A), dr. Rita Verita Sri Hasniarty to the Public Relations of Bandung City on Thursday, June 16, 2022.

"From 2019-2021, there are 40 clients of child abuse in schools that we have handled. However, there must be cases that were not reported to us," said Rita.

To reduce the number of cases of child violence in schools, DP3A together with 75 junior high schools in Bandung City conducted a case study simulation.

Because, I Rita, there are still many people who think that cases of child abuse are verbal. Thus, the action was not immediately reported, not even handled. In fact, the highest category of cases of violence against children in schools is psychological violence.

"It may turn out that all this time it was considered normal, but actually it is included in child abuse. This child spontaneously makes words that can cause hurt, this includes bullying," he said.

"So that his friend was hurt and finally did not want to go to school, afraid to meet his friend," he explained.

Therefore, DP3A together with 75 schools are committed to fighting cases of child violence in schools.

Rita emphasized that the guidance and counseling teachers (BK) and school principals continue to be vigilant and carefully observe the interactions of children.

"If something like this happens, you should immediately report it to someone who can be trusted to solve the case, for example to the BK teacher so that it can be followed up. If it can't be resolved, then it is referred to the UPTD PPA (Women and Children Protection) for follow-up," he urged.

In addition, Rita said, cases of child abuse in Bandung were dominated by sexual violence. Then, psychological violence, and third, physical violence.

From data from the Bandung City DP3A, the number of cases of child abuse in 2019 was recorded as 192 clients. Then, in 2020 there were 138 clients. Then, in 2021 there were 157 clients.

"During January-May 2022, there were 88 clients. During the pandemic, it really spiked because there was economic pressure too. Many were laid off, feeling disappointed, finally taking out their anger on their children," said Rita on the sidelines of the conversation.

Although it is difficult to anticipate that similar cases will not happen again, Rita said, there needs to be participation from all parties. Because, if only DP3A carries out the task of supervising to assisting, cases of violence against children will not be able to just end.

"Everyone must play a role. It is not only borne by DP3A. There must be involvement from schools, parents, the Education Office, and other related institutions. They must play a role together so that cases of violence against children do not increase again," he hoped.

Several steps have been taken by DP3A to reduce the number of child abuse, in the form of socialization, case analysis, mentoring, and mediation. (din)**

Head of Discominfo Bandung

Yayan A. Brilyana