Sense of security helps children report violence, says psychologist

Clinical child and adolescent psychologist Ocha Ananda Suherik, M.Psi., Psychologist, has stated that a warm and secure relationship between children and adults is one of the most important protective factors in preventing and handling violence. In developmental psychology, this is known as the concept of secure attachment, which refers to a warm, responsive, and safe relationship between a child and their caregiver or surrounding adults. “Children who feel heard, trusted, and not judged will be braver in disclosing their experiences and seeking help when facing dangerous situations,” Ocha told ANTARA in Jakarta on Saturday. According to Ocha, when children experience violence or bullying, the first thing they need to do is find a trusted adult. “That person can be a parent, teacher, family member, psychologist, or another adult who makes the child feel safe to talk,” said the psychologist, a graduate of the University of Indonesia. Ocha also noted that several psychological and developmental factors make it difficult for children to disclose experiences of violence. “Many people assume that a child who does not immediately speak up is covering up the incident or does not want to be helped. In reality, the situation is far more complex,” she said. She explained that a child’s ability to understand, process, and recount their experiences is still developing. When the experience is traumatic, children are often not yet able to make sense of it or construct a coherent narrative. When facing threats or violence, the brain automatically activates a survival response, which can manifest as fighting, fleeing, or freezing. In some children, the nervous system may enter a state of hypoarousal, making them appear quiet, flat, or unresponsive. This does not mean the child is not afraid or hurt, but rather that their brain is trying to protect them from a situation perceived as extremely threatening. “As a result, the outward expression often does not reflect what the child is actually feeling,” said the psychologist, who is a member of the Indonesian Psychological Association (HIMPSI). She added that children may fear threats from the perpetrator, worry they will not be believed, feel they will be blamed, or have previously been ignored when they tried to speak up. “The situation becomes even more difficult if the perpetrator is someone close to the child, such as a family member, teacher, or a previously trusted person, because the child may experience an inner conflict between fear and the desire to maintain that relationship,” Ocha said. Data from the Online Information System for the Protection of Women and Children (Simfoni PPA) recorded 35,107 cases of violence in 2025, with 23,043 cases, or 65.59 percent, involving children. The theme of National Children’s Day 2026 aims to raise awareness among all elements of the nation to fulfil children’s rights, provide protection from violence, and create a safe and inclusive environment. Protecting children is not solely the duty of families or the government, but a shared responsibility.