Preventing Child Violence Cases Through a Community-Based System

The increasing number of Covid-19 cases has also contributed to the increase in cases of child abuse during the pandemic. The Community-Based Child Protection System (CBCPS) presence helps every parent and child prevent, access information, and respond when violence occurs. This is in line with what was conveyed by the Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati, at the Launching of CBCPS Studies and Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Wednesday (14/7/2021).

CBCPS is deemed necessary for residents and children. This was revealed from the results of the CBCPS Rapid Assessment during the COVID-19 Pandemic conducted by WVI and KemenPPPA.

“Almost one hundred percent of children in villages and sub-district feel the presence of CBCPS, because it helps prevent exposure to COVID-19, and helps children avoid acts of violence during the pandemic. CBCPS guidelines are also important to promote various protocols in efforts to protect children from exposure to COVID-19 starting from the village and sub-district level," said Bintang.

A child respondent from Jakarta said that most children experience violence and it comes from their parents. Throwing harsh words at children has become a natural thing to hear during a pandemic. Not infrequently, children are also found working.

“Perhaps some of the children's initiatives were forced by the family's financial condition. There has also been a time when parents are singing and taking their babies to the streets. Then the child was asked to sing and then asked for money, even though the child was still small, he explained.

The presence of the CBCPS Study and Guide during the COVID-19 Pandemic is expected to help activists/cadres in supporting children and parents during the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CBCPS activists/cadres faced various challenges. However, they still struggle to provide information and education to the public to protect children from exposure to COVID-19 and violence during the pandemic.

Willem Elliata Bisai, CBCPS activist in Manokwari, West Papua, said that despite the pandemic, activities were carried out in new ways, following the adaptation of new habits. However, the most difficult thing is when there are parents of children who are positive for COVID-19.

"To meet or do something is difficult because we also have to protect ourselves from exposure to COVID-19," he said.

Meanwhile, WVI Child Protection Team Leader Emmy Lucy Smith said the CBCPS system was running optimally because CBCPS activists moved with their hearts and care for children. They are the people who can see the needs of children the most, especially children who need temporary care during the pandemic.

WVI CEO & National Director Angelina Theodora also added that it takes the involvement of various parties including the government, community institutions, religious leaders, traditional leaders, residents, and their children to provide the best protection for children.

"We hope that the presence of this CBCPS guide can support better child protection efforts by all of us," concluded Angelina.

Written by: Amanda Putri & Putri ianne Barus, Communications Department Wahana Visi Indonesia