Child Sexual Exploitation Victims Undergoing Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Seven child victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation are currently undergoing psychosocial rehabilitation at the Child Social Protection Home in Bambu Apus, East Jakarta, according to Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa.

"The children are undergoing 'assessment' as part of the psychosocial recovery process to recall their childhood and the good times in their lives," Khofifah stated in a press release received here on Monday.

The minister reiterated that the seven children are undergoing counseling and recovery and are being encouraged to recollect fond memories relating to their childhood and home.

The social affairs minister said these children are undergoing rehabilitation at the Bambu Apus Child Social Protection Home as it has complete facilities.

On Wednesday night, the police uncovered a case of online prostitution involving underaged children being made to serve as homosexuals in a hotel in Cipayung in Puncak area, West Java.

At the time, the police had also rescued seven victims, of which six were underaged boys and one was an 18-year-old youngster.

Of the six boys aged between 12 to 15 years, five are still students and one is a dropout.

The social affairs minister has made assurance that she would give full attention to the cases of online prostitution wherein underaged children were being forced to engage in homosexual activities.

"We are very concerned about this case. The task of the Social Affairs Ministry is to ensure the rehabilitation of the victims," Khofifah remarked.

According to the minister, in this case, the boys will be counseled and will undergo psychosocial therapy to promote personal recovery, including improving their mental health.

Assaults and incidents of violence, particularly those that are sexual in nature, against children are quite rampant in this country.

Therefore, the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry is focusing on three issues --- sexual violence, child marriage, and child prostitution --- in the country.

According to the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Susana Yembise, one out of every four boys experiences physical violence, while one out of every seven girls undergoes physical violence, which includes sexual assault.

It is a matter of great concern that 77 percent of boys and 85 percent of girls are unaware of the existence of child protection services, she pointed out.

The public should play a more active role in reducing the incidents of child violence, Yembise affirmed while laying emphasis on the importance of preventive efforts in child protection. (WDY)