Breaking the Culture of Silence
Sociologically, sexual violence against children does not occur in isolation. It is a product of a problematic social structure. Several key social factors are behind the rise in these cases.
Children are a vulnerable group, and perpetrators are usually powerful adults (parents, close family members, teachers, or neighbors). Patriarchal and hierarchical social structures foster this unequal power relationship.
For example, violence from parents to children, or children committing violence at school against younger students who are considered lower in strata.
In some family or community contexts, violence (verbal, physical, or sexual) is not always considered wrong. Some turn a blind eye to it to protect the family’s “good name,” reinforcing the culture of silence. We see many cases today of parents “defending” their children while also committing violence.
Many parents and children do not receive adequate education about the body, boundaries, and consent. As a result, children do not understand what abuse is and do not know who to report it to.
An unsupportive social environment (individualistic neighborhood environments, limited play spaces for children, and strained social ties) results in children spending more time at home or in digital spaces without control. Many cases are influenced by pornography, social media, or online grooming.
Currently, there are indications of family dysfunction and weak character education that are very visible. This is characterized by families that are emotionally unsafe. Many children do not have a safe space to talk.
Communication within families is often authoritarian rather than dialogical. In recent cases, there have even been Facebook groups that make children the object of their parents’ fantasies. Where can they go to complain? Even if they do, their parents tell them to stay silent.
Many families are not emotionally prepared or knowledgeable enough to raise children. Parenting tends to be instant, harsh, or out of control.
As a society, we must have the courage to create safe spaces for children and break the culture of silence that has become a shield for perpetrators. As parents, we also need to improve ourselves. We must stop the habits and trauma of past parenting to prevent violence from occurring again. We all hope that our children will grow up happier.
By: Siti Zulaikha
Sociologist, Lambung Mangkurat University
Published in the Banjarmasin Post, July 10, 2025
