Dealing with violence against neglected children through community-based support systems in East Java, Indonesia

This study aims to examine the various forms of violence experienced by neglected children in the community, and the role of the surrounding social environments in providing the protection and handling of neglected children. The research was conducted in four locations in Indonesian. The results of the study showed that most of the neglected children who became respondents experienced violence, especially physical and psychological violence. The study also found that the existence of socio-religious institutions, besides being able to help neglected children and relieve the burden of the family, could also prevent the occurrence of violence and the neglect of children. Nonetheless, there were still some obstacles, since violence against children is considered an internal family affair and not a community matter. Efforts to prevent child violence should not only be based on the threat of punishment but should be more emphasised on the involvement of secondary groups, CBOs, and community groups at the local level.