Cases of violence against children are increasing. According to the National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas PA) report in 2023, there were 3,547 cases of violence recorded in Indonesia. This figure represents a 30% increase from the previous year.
Ironically, the majority of these violent acts occur within the family environment, accounting for 35%. Furthermore, various studies indicate that violence against children is often perpetrated by adults closest to them. In many cases, the perpetrators are parents, teachers, caregivers, and sometimes even other children who commit acts of violence.
“Anyone can perpetrate violence against children, but unfortunately, research shows that it is often committed by the closest adults who should be protecting the child,” explained a clinical psychologist from the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), Dr. Indria Laksmi Gamayanti, in response to the recent surge in cases of violence against children, on Tuesday (Apr. 2).
Dr. Gamayanti mentioned three forms of violence against children: physical violence, emotional violence, and sexual violence. When a child experiences physical or sexual violence, it is often accompanied by emotional or psychological violence.
However, the most prevalent and often overlooked form of violence is emotional violence. This includes instances where children are subjected to angry outbursts, hatred, humiliation, and other forms of verbal violence. Unfortunately, the most common perpetrators of violence are those closest to the child, especially parents in terms of their parenting styles.
“Psychologically, perpetrators of violence tend to have mental health disorders. The triggering factors for violent tendencies in perpetrators vary, ranging from the mental readiness of parents, economic conditions, to similar experiences of violence in childhood,” she explained.
Adults who commit violence against children are generally emotionally immature individuals. It’s even possible that they were subjected to violence during their childhood. When someone experiences violence in childhood, there is a potential for them to perpetrate even more severe violence as they grow older.
“Memories of childhood trauma in parents increase the likelihood of them committing similar or more severe acts of violence against their children,” said Dr. Gamayanti.
Violence can also occur among children themselves, often seen in cases of bullying in schools or among playmates. According to her, the causes of children resorting to violence against their peers can also be attributed to their environment and parenting styles.
“It could be that the child also experiences violence from their parents or a lack of validation, leading them to seek validation from their peers,” she added.
In psychological terms, childhood violence can be classified as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) or negative experiences during childhood. The impact is that children tend to have mental health problems and a high propensity for violence as they grow older.
Various cases also show different symptoms. Some children become withdrawn, sad, and stuck, are naughty, and cry frequently. Some may appear fine but are often misunderstood as quickly recovering from trauma. These symptoms usually go unnoticed by parents when, in fact, the child needs more than just handling the impacts of violence.
“If violence occurs, it is important to provide appropriate and tailored treatment for the child’s condition. In psychology, the recovery methods for children vary, and assessments must be made to provide the best possible treatment,” said Dr. Gamayanti.
“Some may require changes in parenting styles and supportive environments, so it’s not just the child who is a factor. Parents also need to receive treatment.”
As adults in the environment where children reside, Dr. Gamayanti emphasized the importance of protecting them against violence. Therefore, it is crucial to establish good communication with children within the family and with people in the surroundings.
Childhood is a crucial period for growth and character formation, requiring proper supervision and nurturing to prevent negligence from leading to violence. Equally important is the continuous implementation of good parenting styles, which will result in mentally and physically healthy children in the future.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson