LPSK Proactively Reaches Out to Child Abuse Victims at Yogyakarta Daycare

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) is proactively reaching out to victims of alleged child abuse and neglect at Little Aresha Daycare in Yogyakarta City through cross-institutional coordination, assessments, and reviews of potential threats to victims and informants. Deputy Chair of LPSK Sri Suparyati stated in Jakarta on Tuesday that these steps are being taken to ensure that victims’ rights are fulfilled, including access to restitution and recovery services. In a meeting with representatives of the victims’ parents at the LPSK Yogyakarta Representative Office, she explained the protection schemes available to the victims, accompanied by the Yogyakarta City Integrated Child Protection Unit (UPT PPA). Regarding the legal process, LPSK is coordinating with the Yogyakarta Police Resort to encourage the opening of a complaint post to reach more victims, as only some cases have been processed by investigators so far. “It is hoped that the victims’ parents will receive attention from the police resort regarding the opening of the complaint post for receiving reports, without being limited by the requirement of a medical examination report as a measure of victim status. This is because many victims no longer have physical scars, but experience deep psychological trauma due to the prolonged abuse they suffered,” said Sri Suparyati. She revealed that the victims in this case include children from toddlers to kindergarten age, including former daycare attendees. Several victims have also been reported to suffer health disorders, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and stunting. Based on initial coordination, LPSK has received 13 applications from five victims’ families, and this number has the potential to increase as reporting access is opened. For victim recovery, LPSK is collaborating with various parties, including UPT PPA, KPAID, the Social Services Office, the Health Services Office, and advocacy organisations, to ensure that medical, psychological, and legal support services are integrated. LPSK emphasises that it will continue to synergise with local government in providing comprehensive protection, including facilitating the calculation of restitution as a victim right. This effort is part of strengthening the child protection system, while ensuring that cases of violence in the daycare environment are handled comprehensively from legal aspects to victim recovery.