Grandfather in Bandung Rapes Person with Disabilities

TB became a prisoner after recklessly having sex with the victim with the initials SSF (19) on April 21 2024. TB carried out his depraved act against the victim who was mentally retarded or mentally retarded.

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The TB action took place at his house, Cibeuying Kidul area, Bandung City, at around 21.00 WIB. The victim was his neighbor.

TB didn't care about his wife who was at home when he molested the victim. The method used by TB is to lure the victim to his house. Then, he forced and grabbed the victim's body. TB then hid the victim in the clothes drying room.

His whereabouts unknown, the family was looking for SSF. From the testimony of a resident, they suspected that SSF was at TB's house.

With the pretext of shopping at the suspect's kiosk, the family of SSF visited the house. When asked by the victim's relatives, TB admitted to not knowing the whereabouts of the victim.

To his family, the victim admitted that he had been sexually assaulted by the perpetrator. The family did not accept this action and made the incident viral on social media in order to get justice. This case has also attracted the attention of netizens in the city of Bandung.

A day later, the Women and Children Protection Unit of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Bandung City Police intervened. The perpetrator was arrested by the authorities, while the victim was immediately subjected to a medical examination. Investigators then questioned four witnesses in the case.

"From the investigation results, the perpetrator TB admitted to committing sexual harassment using threats. He has been named a suspect in this case," said the Head of Bandung Police Commissioner Budi Sartono.

He stated that the perpetrator was charged under Article 6 juncto Article 15 of Law Number 2 of 2022 concerning Crimes of Sexual Violence. "The perpetrator faces up to 12 years in prison and a fine of IDR 300 million," he said.

Thousands of cases

The Head of the West Java Province's Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning Agency, Siska Gerfianti, expressed her regret over TB's action targeting a woman who is also a person with disabilities. She is grateful that the police have arrested the perpetrator.

"I hope that the perpetrator receives a punishment that is commensurate with their actions. Based on Law Number 12 of 2022, perpetrators of sexual violence against people with disabilities are subject to an aggravated penalty in the form of a one-third increase in the punishment penalty," said Siska.

He also revealed that the community in West Java whose family members have become victims of violence against women and children are increasingly brave in reporting to the authorities. They no longer see this issue as a shameful thing that needs to be hidden.

According to data from the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, the number of cases of violence against women in West Java throughout 2023 reached 1,128 cases. The victims numbered 1,151 people. The city of Bandung had the highest number of cases, with 234 cases.

By 2024, cases of violence have not stopped. From January to April, there were 220 cases of violence against women, with 224 victims recorded. The highest number of cases in the last four months occurred in Bekasi Regency, with 36 cases.

"The high number of complaints is the result of our joint hard work with non-governmental organizations and various elements of society. We never stop socializing the importance of reporting if you are a victim of violence," said Siska.

He added, the West Java Provincial Government has a local regulation to protect women and children. One of them is Regional Regulation Number 2 of 2023 concerning the Empowerment and Protection of Women.

Also read: The Blurry Face of Child Protection in West Java, Victims of Violence Reach 2,385 People

In addition, the West Java Technical Implementation Unit for Women and Child Protection (UPTD PPA) also provides safe houses for victims, where they can receive medical and psychological services free of charge.

"A number of programs for the protection of women and children that have been implemented in West Java include Jabar Cekas (Prevent Violence), Family Learning Centers, and Stop Child Marriage. We also regularly educate the community through social media," added Siska.

The second chairman of the Family Learning Center (Puspaga) of West Java, Nenny Kencanawati, expressed great sadness over the case of harassment committed by a grandfather against a victim who should have been treated like his own grandchild. According to Nenny, people with disabilities should receive protection and their rights should not be taken away.

"I hope that the case involving the victim can be fully processed in court. Disabled citizens are guaranteed their rights by the state," hopes Nenny.

She also argues, the increasing trend of reporting cases may reveal the issue of violence against women that has been hidden. "Puspaga is one of the partners of the West Java Provincial Government that tirelessly provides assistance to victims of violence, especially women and children," said Nenny.

Also read: Awareness of Complaints of Violence Against Women and Children in West Java Soars