FADK (Kepek Village Children's Forum) is an organization that consists of children aged below 18 years. The establishment of the forum aims to fulfil the rights of the child participants and the elimination of violence against children. Kids are the actors in the development process. During this growing issue in Kepek Village, District Saptosari, Gunung Kidul Regency, children are viewed as objects to be directed and continuously trained in order to discipline or regulate.
In the discussion session, accompanied by Rifka Annisa on Sunday May 8, 2016, members of FAD Kepek realized that it was the children that have the ability to organize themselves and participate in finding the solutions to problems in the region of FAD Kepek. FAD Kepek also organized socialization on the dangers of child sexual assaults. In this socialization Herman and Meike facilitated sessions. Herman, FAD Kepek chairman, opened the forum by introducing his organization. This was the first event held by FAD Kepek, it was held in the village hall. From planning, timing and place, the spread of the invitation, even as the facilitator of the event, all of them individually prepared themselves.
Meike led the brainstorming and discussion with 20 participants about sexual abuse in children. He invited participants to better understand the issues related to children. Starting from the definition of the child, the right to be possessed by them, then continued to discuss problems of violence and the potential for children to become perpetrators or victims of violence. When the discussion sessions related to the sexual abuse of children, Meike divided the participants into groups. In the discussion session, the participants were asked to discuss other forms of sexual violence, causes, effects of sexual violence, who could potentially become perpetrators, and sexual violence prevention strategies.
After the discussion finished, participants were asked to present the results of their discussion. Participants understand that sexual violence is diverse, for example, shown in pornographic images, forced sexual relations, undesired touching of one’s body, rape, sexually exploitation, and so forth. In addition participants also explained that the cause of sexual violence is the notion that a young child, would not dare to report and do not know how to report such cases. Then the participants tried to explain that pornography and alcohol can also lead to acts of sexual violence.
In the next session participants are invited to discuss the issue of Child Marriage, which is one form of sexual abuse in children. They recognize that marriage under the age of 18 can lead to school dropouts, poverty, domestic violence, negative impacts on the next generation, cervical cancer and so forth. Child Marriages are often also vieweda solution to the problem of unwanted pregnancies.
Participants understand that sexual assault victims will experience trauma, stress, contracted sexually transmitted diseases, HIV / AIDS, pregnant, and others. Anyone can become perpetrators of sexual violence, even the closest people such as a father, grandfather, uncle, neighbour, friend, girlfriend, teacher, as well as a stranger.
FAD Kepek has a role in disseminating the issues of violence against women and children. More recognized that dressing appropriately, covering sensitive parts of one’s body such as sexual and reproductive organs, is one of the solutions presented by participants, in order to avoid sexual violence. It is also important to appreciate and respect others not to hurt him. All elements of society must realize that every person has the right to live with a sense of security and to avoid violence.
Translated by: Emma Hardy
