Sexual Violence Cases Must Be Victim-Centered: Minister

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, stressed that sexual violence cases must be handled from the victims’ perspective, highlighting reports of incest survivors who cannot return to their home regions due to social and customary considerations.

“We respect customs and traditions as part of a community’s identity. On the other hand, the protection of children and women is a non-negotiable priority,” Minister Arifah said after visiting a safe house operated by the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Women and Child Protection (UPTD PPA) in Ngada regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Minister Arifah called on regional administrations and traditional leaders to uphold local values without sacrificing the rights of child victims. She said perpetrators of sexual violence must be processed in accordance with prevailing laws to prevent further victims.

“Sexual violence, especially within the family, is a serious crime that deprives children and women of their rights. Victims of sexual violence must be protected, rehabilitated and supported so they can live safely and with dignity,” she said.

Minister Arifah said the rehabilitation and fulfillment of victims’ rights would remain a priority, including access to education, skills training and caregiving support. The ministry is coordinating with UPTD PPA Ngada to provide protection, legal assistance, health services and the fulfillment of children’s rights.

“We are coordinating with UPTD PPA Ngada regency to provide comprehensive services. All victims have also gained access to education and job training as part of their empowerment,” Minister Arifah said.

Meanwhile, Onni, head of UPTD PPA Ngada regency, said the region faces a shortage of clinical psychologists. The safe house currently shelters six victims, consisting of adult women and children.

“The victims have to stay in the safe house for a considerable period due to social and customary considerations in their places of origin. We hope the government can provide clinical psychologists as well as adequate facilities and infrastructure so the handling process can proceed more quickly and effectively,” said Onni. ***

This article is adapted from an Indonesian-language report written by Aditya Prabowo and edited by Bara Ilyasa for RRI.