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Aceh women's group urges authorities to properly investigate child abuse

Cases often remain unresolved due to indecisiveness on the part of law enforcers
Aceh women's group urges authorities to properly investigate child abuse
Published: April 25, 2014 08:42 AM GMT
Updated: April 24, 2014 09:47 PM GMT

Female activists in Aceh, affiliated with the 231 Monitoring Network, have urged the government and police to investigate child abuse cases in the province.

Indecisiveness on the part of the government and law enforcers is deemed to have contributed to the rising incidence of sexual abuse cases, due to the lack of a deterrent effect.

“This is reflected in the number of sexual abuse cases involving children in Aceh between 2012 and 2014, which increased,” said 231 Monitoring Network coordinator Destika Gilang on Thursday.


According to Destika, many rape and murder cases against children in Aceh have yet to be completely resolved by law enforcement agencies.

The network cited the rape of 9-year-old girl; a 6-year-old girl by six people in Bener Meriah, Central Aceh; and the rape of a daughter by her step father in Banda Aceh.

“Indecisiveness on the part of the government and law enforcers has a big impact on the suffering of victims and their families,” said Destika.

The activists urged the police across the province to respond quickly to sexual abuse cases involving children. 

They also urged prosecutor’s offices and courts to hand down stiff sentences and intensify the prosecutions of those committing sexual abuse against children.

“The Aceh provincial administration must also play an active role in implementing child and women protection policies, as stipulated in Qanun [Islamic bylaw] No. 6/2009 on child and women protection,” said Destika.

The latest incidence of child abuse was allegedly committed by an officer of the Aceh Police headquarters, known as Brig. M, against two elementary school students aged 7 and 8.

The allegation came to light after the students’ parents reported the matter to authorities on April 14.

The police, however, reportedly attempted to cover up the case, but following pressure from various parties, they finally revealed some details, including the identity of the suspected perpetrator, who is in active service. 

Full Story: Police, govt urged to act 
in Aceh child abuse cases

Source:The Jakarta Post

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