The Rise of Cases of Sexual Violence Against Minors in the Family

Abstract

Basically, children need to be protected and their rights must be guaranteed so that they can live, develop and participate optimally in accordance with human dignity. They must also avoid violence and discrimination. However, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) admits that there are still many criminal acts, including sexual violence against children. Sexual violence is defined as actions that degrade, humiliate, harass, or attack a child's body and reproductive functions, which can cause psychological and physical suffering. This can even compromise reproductive health and lead to lost opportunities to receive education safely and optimally. What's worse, many perpetrators of sexual violence actually come from their own family environment, even though the family is supposed to be a safe haven for children. The variety and complexity of sexual violence cases varies greatly, and the modus operandi is increasingly sophisticated. This situation further strengthens the suspicion that Indonesia is facing an emergency related to sexual violence. The sustainability of this problem is a serious challenge in today's modern civilization. Apart from that, the factors that trigger sexual violence and the impacts felt by victims are very diverse. Therefore, as a country that has signed and ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Indonesia has the responsibility to implement the principles contained in the convention. All Indonesian people need to raise awareness regarding the escalation of sexual violence against children in this country and emphasize the urgency of immediate action from various parties to protect the rights and welfare of children.