Child Crime and Violence Remain High as of July 2023, with Female Victims Predominating

The National Criminal Information Center (Pusiknas) of the Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) has compiled data on crimes and violence against children from January to July 2023.

The trend of children becoming victims of crime and violence during this six-month period has fluctuated, but the numbers remain high, exceeding 800 cases per month.

In January 2023, 905 children were victims of crime and violence. The highest number of victims was recorded in May 2023, reaching 1,197 children.

The lowest number of child victims was recorded in April 2023, at 834.

Pusiknas Polri stated that more girls were victims of violence and crime, totaling 4,603 children, while the number of male victims was 1,863.

In addition, 261 boys and 22 girls were reported as perpetrators.

"More girls are victims of violence and crime, while more boys are reported as perpetrators. The highest number of children who were victims of violence and crime was recorded in May 2023," wrote Pusiknas Polri on its official website.

Separately, child psychologist Astrid Wen stated that the number of cases of child violence in Indonesia has actually been very high for a long time. This is because the culture of violence has not yet been overcome.

Citing Tempo.co, Astrid explained that parents and educators in school environments have a significant role in addressing violence against children.

In Astrid's observation of cases she has handled, it is important for educators to view cases of violence based on facts without minimizing or exaggerating them. Astrid believes that the handling of violence in schools is often inadequate.

“It is very possible for a good person to commit violence, and it is crucial to educate that punishment is actually intended to eliminate or reduce bad behavior, not to label the perpetrator or victim,” she told Tempo.co on Friday (August 11, 2023).

(See also: School Bullying Cases Most Frequent in Elementary and Junior High Schools Through August 2023)