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Family as Shelter

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

(Republika, National Daily, 8 of March, 2013) RI, a young girl sitting in the fifth grade of elementary school has eventually died. She breathed her last due to an infection of venereal disease she suffered. The poor kid is an innocent girl, just like her peers. She is a victim of rape by her immediate family, ie her father. RI is not the only case. Acts of harrasment and abuse against females often occurs in the environment and people nearby. Either the father, brother, uncle, grandfather or maybe neighbors.

Many experts concerned with the phenomenon of amoral incest (perpetrator of kin). The incident seemed to imply there was no longer safe place for girls. Families that are supposed to be a shelter and a role model, instead just ruin her life. "Who else can protect children?" The causes vary. Factors could be shut out of economic or obscene spectacle that is consumed daily. But, people believe when early Islamic education is implemented, the less likely it happens. In Islam for example, a 10 year old child should be separated from the parents' room. This includes females not to share a room with a brother.

Expert in families and children, Ustadzah Iffah Ainur Rochmah found that case of immoral acts committed by people nearby can not be solved only in a curative manner. It needs early prevention. Spokeswoman of Hizb ut-Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) has also stated that in Islam there are two interacting zone, ie, public and private zone (al hayah al amm and al hayah al khash). The family is included in the private zone. Though members of family are close to each other, but there are Islamic rules that must be adhered to among them. One of the rules is how to dress. Even though they are still mahram, but be aware of how to dress, should not be free. "Rules to dress must be adopted, that is covering the body to the knee," she explained.

In addition to how to dress, there are special times that should be respected: after Isha' prayers, before Subuh, and before Dhuhr. Children can not be freely enter their parents in the room. The three times, Iffah explains further, before entering the room children should knock on the door asking permission. This is done to avoid adult activity seen by children. Islam teaches, once reaching 10 years old, children should sleep separately from their parents. Boys and girls were not allowed to sleep in a single room.

Iffah also regrets, there is still light punishment given to the perpetrators of sexual abuse against children. In this country's law rule, punishment for perpetrators of sexual abuse can reach 16 years of jail, but in fact the verdict was not until the fourth period of the sentence. In fact, there is only a year in jail. Figures show sentences make no deterrent effect on the perpetrators. Meanwhile, victims suffer prolonged trauma. She said the sanctions for perpetrators of rape in Islam are quite heavy. Starting from 100 lashes, stoning, cutting off hands or legs crossed, and even fought. According to her, the punishment is very worthwhile considering prolonged traumatic effect suffered by the victim.

Iffah also suggests concrete steps to eliminate the trauma for the victim. First, reassure the child that she is innocent. Make sure also that she was not "a bad girl" so her confidence is nurtured.

Psychologically, traumatic effect is not short-term. Therefore, it is better to create a new environment that makes children comfortable and overcome the tragedy. If they are still in the old neighborhood, it makes children hard to forget their cases. (Republika printed edition, Main Report, Friday, 08/03/2013).


Iffah Ainur Rochmah
Spokeswoman of Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia

 

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