The high number of sexual violence cases in Yogyakarta remains a collective issue. According to data from Rumah Impian Foundation, as of May 2023, there were 23 cases of online-based violence in Yogyakarta. The majority of victims of online-based violence experience sexual violence. Law enforcement efforts are crucial, along with continuous education for parents on protecting children from sexual violence.
To educate parents, Rumah Impian Indonesia Foundation organized a family empowering workshop titled “Protecting Children from Sexual Violence” on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in the hall of the BPRSR Sleman building, Yogyakarta. The workshop involved parents from Jogoyudan, Tukangan, Sidomulyo, Tlukan, Wonocatur, and Kalasan.
This workshop, the third in a series of family strengthening seminars held by Rumah Impian Indonesia Foundation this year, was opened by the Head of the Social Services Department of Yogyakarta, Endang Patmintarsih, S.H., M.Si., represented by Subakir S.Sos. (BPRSR Sleman). The workshop’s speaker was Nurmawati, SE, from Rifka Annisa Women’s Crisis Centre.
In this workshop, parents were equipped with skills to identify, recognize, and understand sexual violence against children. They were also trained to develop sensitivity to listen to the problems their children face.
Rumah Impian Indonesia Foundation hopes that the parents, mostly mothers, who attended the workshop can become advocates for other families in protecting children from sexual violence.