The number of cases of violence against women and children in Mentawai, based on data obtained from one source, says that by 2023 there will be 23 cases of women and children in conflict with the law in Mentawai.
In Nemnemleleu Village, South Sipora District, there were 3 cases. 1 case has been processed legally, while 2 other cases were resolved amicably. Often cases of violence against women and children are resolved amicably. If harassment occurs in hamlet A, and the victim wants to resolve the case amicably, the hamlet head will try to resolve it by inviting community leaders and the parties involved. The settlement usually results in a fine, either in the form of money or goods. If there is no word of peace at the hamlet level, then the case will be resolved at the village level.
When asked why it was not reported to the police, Rudolf, the head of North Nemnemleleu hamlet, said that generally in cases of violence or abuse against women and children, the victims are reluctant to report it to the police because they are considered a "family disgrace". This was conveyed in a discussion on drafting a safe protocol for women and children in North Nemnemleleu hamlet on Tuesday 21/3/2023.
Meanwhile, Teti Nofrida, Village Health Officer, said that the current situation is that children often come home early and cannot manage the time when accessing the internet on the WiFi at the Poskesdes. We often reprimand them, but instead the children get angry and sometimes damage some of the Poskesdes facilities. Likewise, a resident who attended also said that their elementary school facilities were sometimes damaged when they were reprimanded. This condition certainly really disturbs the order and comfort of residents around the WiFi.
The Head of Nemnemleleu Village, Balsanus Saogo, who was present during the discussion, said that we must reactivate the existence of Siskamling and Youth Karang Taruna. However, beforehand you must prepare a policy in the form of a Village Regulation or Village Head Decree which is prepared based on the aspirations of the village community. Parents' responsibility to supervise their children has also begun to fade. Balsanus's hope is that this village policy product must be created and socialized to all residents before it is implemented, he said while closing the discussion held at the house of the Head of Nemnemleleu Village.
