KPAI: Violence Against Child Allegedly by Stepmother in Sukabumi Constitutes Filicide

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has stated that the case of violence against a child allegedly perpetrated by a stepmother, which resulted in the victim’s death in Sukabumi Regency, West Java, constitutes filicide.

“The case in Surade, Sukabumi Regency, where a child with the initials N (12) was abused by their stepmother, falls under the category of filicide — the killing of a child by a parent, in this case a stepmother,” said KPAI member Diyah Puspitarini when contacted in Jakarta on Sunday.

Filicide is the killing of a child committed by a parent, whether father or mother.

According to Diyah Puspitarini, filicide is categorised as severe domestic violence.

“Filicide is a serious case within domestic violence. The contributing factors behind filicide are varied,” she said.

“The factors that cause filicide include economic pressures, jealousy, fear or anxiety, a lack of emotional and social support, and problematic emotional regulation by parents. Filicide occurs because children frequently experience violence,” said Diyah Puspitarini.

The victim died with bruises and burn marks on their body.

The victim ordinarily resided at an Islamic boarding school. However, at the time of the incident, the victim was on leave in preparation for the start of the fasting month with their family.

At that time, the victim’s father, who was working in Sukabumi City, received a telephone call from his wife asking him to return home immediately, claiming the victim had fallen ill.

Upon the father’s arrival home, the victim was rushed to Jampang Kulon Hospital for medical treatment.

Tragically, the victim ultimately passed away at the hospital.