The Role of Social Workers at the Social Department of Kendari City in Psychosocial Recovery of Child Victims of Sexual Violence

This study aims to understand and find out the role of workers in psychosocial assistance for children victims of sexual violence at the Kendari City Social Departement. Qualitative descriptive methods are used to describe social situations related to the role and stages of mentoring. The research informants were selected through purposive sampling, including social workers, psychologists, victims' children, and parents. The data in this study was obtained through interviews, observations and documentation studies, the data obtained was then analyzed qualitatively with an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that the psychological rehabilitation of child victims of sexual abuse involves several important phases. Educational programs on recovery and mental health help children understand and manage the psychological impact of experienced violence. Social support from family, friends, and the community is also crucial in the healing process, making children feel welcome and supported. Social workers act as mediators, educators, and motivators in this process. They help children cope with the adverse effects of their experiences, establish safe communication, and formulate effective recovery plans. In addition, social workers provide information to the community about the psychological impact of sexual violence and help children learn good coping mechanisms. This psychosocial support typically results in a noticeable improvement in the physical and mental health of the victim's children, allowing them to recover from trauma, improve mental health, and rebuild positive social relationships.


INTRODUCTION
Sexual violence covers a wide range of behaviours such as the use of sexual exploitation in the form of pornography or prostitution, touching, forcing a minor to touch another person's genitals, rape, sexual intercourse between blood relatives, and sodomy.
Training and restoration of their rights without facing undue legal action should be a top priority in the handling of children who file charges.(Nurnaningsih, 2012).
In addition to foreigners, perpetrators of sexual violence against minors often include family members, acquaintances, teachers, doctors, and even public officials of people they know, trust, and are close to.The perpetrators of violence against children can be biological fathers, biological mothers, stepfathers, stepmothers, uncles, aunts, siblings, grandparents, grandmothers, neighbors, teachers' fathers, teachers' mothers, children, friends, or girlfriends, according to cases of sexual violence against children.reported to the National Commission for Child Protection (Maslihah, 2013).This shows that in almost all social contexts, children's safety is at risk and they are particularly vulnerable.Those who sexually abuse children are usually well-known and respected by both the child and his family.
A tracing conducted on repbluka.co.id shows that as of August 2023, there were 2,355 child protection violations reported to the Indonesia Child Protection Commission (KPAI).
From all this information, there are 87 cases of children being bullied, 27 cases of children being harmed by educational facilities, 24 cases of children being harmed by education policies, 236 cases of children being abused both physically and psychologically, 487 cases of children being abused.sexual harassment, and many other cases that have not been reported to the KPAI.
Given the high rate of sexual violence against minors, local governments should consider these cases more seriously and act quickly.The Kendari City Government maximizes its role in protecting children and ensuring that they are free from all forms of violence because it is natural.Through the Kendari City Social Department, the government responded to real incidents of violence against children by assigning social workers to provide psychosocial assistance.
A social worker is a professional who assists people in improving their social functioning and creating an environment that supports those goals for individuals, groups, and communities.A social worker is a professional who assists individuals, groups, and communities in improving and improving their social functioning and creating conditions to achieve these goals (Fahrudin, 2018).
Psychosocial assistance is one of the special protection efforts for children victims of sexual violence, as required in Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection.which seeks to provide social psychological assistance to victims to protect, accompany, alleviate, and restore their physical, psychological, spiritual, and social state so that they can continue their regular activities and social roles.
Every year, there are more and more incidents of violence against minors in Southeast Sulawesi Province, especially in Kendari City.Ten cases of sexual violence will be handled by three social workers in 2024, according to data from the Social Rehabilitation Division of the Kendari City Social Department.Victims in this case experienced various forms of sexual violence, including sexual intercourse, pressing, molestation, and pressing.
The increasing number of incidents of sexual violence against minors puts them at risk of death because it can have a serious impact on the mental and social well-being of victims.
Regarding the Role of Social Workers in the Kendari City Social Department in terms of Productivity and Quality that it is very good, and has a fairly good quality of service in providing service satisfaction to victims by approaching victims both adult and child victims.
From the description of the problem above, the researcher is interested in researching and discussing this matter into a Research Object, with the title "The Role of Social Workers at the Social Department of Kendari City in Psychosocial Recovery of Child Victims of Sexual Violence".

METHODS
This research was carried out at the Kendari City Social Department, the consideration for choosing this location is that this institution has social worker staff who can help with social welfare problems, especially those related to violence against children, and function as a Center Link (network center).This study uses a qualitative approach with informants selected with purposive sampling techniques so that they consist of social workers, psychologists, victims' children, and parents.The data in this study were obtained through interviews, observations and documentation studies, the data obtained was then analyzed qualitatively with an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing.

Victims of Sexual Violence Cases in Kendari City
In dealing with victims of sexual violence, which adversely affects the psyche of children and adults, institutions also play an important role.Regarding several situations that often arise, such as preparation, immoral sexual behavior, sexual encounters, presentations, and others.This is intended so that every parent is always careful and always supervises every action of their child so that it does not come into contact with objects that he does not want.
Information about victims of sexual violence is available here.The table above shows that based on data from the Social Rehabilitation Division of the Kendari City Social Department in the February-March 2024 period, it shows that there are 3 victims of child abuse cases, 4 victims of molestation and abuse cases, and 3 victims of sexual intercourse cases.The data in the ata also shows that victims of sexual violence against children are more dominated by girls, in the data above there are as many as 8 victims of girls and 2 victims of boys.

Stages of Psychosocial Assistance by Social Workers
Psychosocial science is an interdisciplinary field that combines psychological and social aspects to understand human behavior in the context of its social environment.This concept focuses on the dynamic interaction between individual psychological factors and the social environment that affect a person's development, well-being, and functioning in society.
Psychosocial science examines how social experiences shape an individual's thoughts, emotions, and actions, as well as how a person's psychological characteristics affect his or her social interactions.This field covers a wide range of topics, including human development, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, social identity, and mental health in social contextsa (Martikainen, et al, 2015).
Psychosocial approaches are used in areas such as health, education, and social work to design interventions that consider both psychological and social aspects of addressing individual and societal problems.An in-depth understanding of psychosocial factors is essential in developing effective strategies to improve individual well-being and social functioning in the complex modern era (Steptoe and Kivimaki, 2018).
Based on the research conducted, it shows that the stages of assistance by social workers of the Kendari City Social Department are as follows:

Approach
Assistance by social workers of the Kendari City Social Department uses a gradual approach to ensure effective and sustainable assistance.This process begins with the identification and assessment of the needs of the individual or target group.Next, the social worker designs an appropriate intervention plan, involving the beneficiaries in decisionmaking.The implementation of the program is carried out in stages, with periodic monitoring and evaluation to ensure effectiveness.Social workers also facilitate access to necessary services and resources, as well as provide emotional and practical support.

Problem Disclosure and Understanding
The mentoring stage by the social workers of the Kendari City Social Department begins with Problem Disclosure and Understanding.At this stage, social workers seek to dig up in-depth information about the problems faced by clients.They conduct interviews, observations, and document analysis to understand the root of the problem, the causal factors, and its impact on the client's life.
Social workers also try to build good relationships and trust with clients so that they feel comfortable sharing information.In addition, social workers engage the client's family and social environment to get a more comprehensive picture.This process helps social workers identify the client's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the resources available.This in-depth understanding is the basis for social workers to plan appropriate and effective interventions.This stage is very crucial because it is the foundation for the entire mentoring process that will be carried out (Fahrudin, 2018;Suharto, 2015).

Creating a Problem Solving Plan
The stages of assistance by social workers of the Kendari City Social Department in making a problem solving plan are a crucial step in the social intervention process.Social workers collaborate with clients to identify key issues, determine priorities, and design effective coping strategies.This process involves a thorough assessment of the client's situation, including the social, economic, and psychological factors that affect their condition.Suharto (2015) Social workers assist clients in setting realistic and measurable goals, as well as identifying resources to support the achievement of those goals.The plan must be flexible and adaptable to the development of the client's situation.Social workers also consider the involvement of families and communities in the problem-solving process, given the importance of social support in the success of the intervention.Periodic evaluations of the plan that have been prepared are carried out to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of the strategies implemented.

Troubleshooting
The stages of assistance by social workers of the Kendari City Social Department in solving problems involve a series of systematic processes.Starting with the identification of the problem, the social worker conducts an assessment to understand the root of the client's problem.Furthermore, the intervention planning is drawn up with the client taking into account the available resources.The implementation of the plan is carried out in stages, with social workers providing support and monitoring the client's progress.Periodic evaluations are carried out to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and make adjustments if necessary.In this process, social workers act as facilitators, connecting clients with the services and resources they need.Strengthening client capacity is the main focus, aiming to improve their ability to solve problems independently.Termination is carried out when the mentoring objectives have been achieved, but the social worker still conducts post-intervention monitoring to ensure the sustainability of positive changes in the client.

Rehabilitation
Assistance by social workers of the Kendari City Social Department in the rehabilitation stage is an important process to restore the social functioning of People with Social Welfare Problems.This stage involves a series of activities that aim to improve the ability of People with Social Welfare Problems to be able to carry out their social functions reasonably in community life.Social workers play the role of facilitators who help MSMEs develop their potential, improve life skills, and strengthen social support.
The rehabilitation process includes various aspects, including physical, mental, and social recovery.Activities carried out can be in the form of individual and group counseling, skills training, occupational therapy, and social reintegration programs.Social workers also coordinate with various related parties, such as families, communities, and other institutions to ensure the success of the rehabilitation process.With a holistic and sustainable approach, it is hoped that People with Social Welfare Problems can recover and return to actively participate in the social and economic life of the community (Nurdin and Lestari, 2020).

Monitoring and Evaluation
The stages of assistance by social workers of the Kendari City Social Department, which includes monitoring and evaluation, are an important process in an effort to improve community welfare.Monitoring is carried out periodically to monitor the progress of the program and identify problems that may arise during implementation.Social workers collect data and information related to the implementation of the program, including achievements, constraints, and impacts on beneficiaries.Meanwhile, an evaluation was carried out to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the program as a whole.Firmansyah and Mawarni (2019) This stage involves in-depth analysis of the data collected, assessment of goal achievement, and identification of areas that need improvement.The results of monitoring and evaluation are used as a basis for strategy adjustments, program improvements, and future decisionmaking.This process helps ensure that social assistance programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the dynamic community in Kendari City.

Finalization
The mentoring stage by the social workers of the Kendari City Social Department reached its peak in the finalization process.In this stage, the social worker conducts a thorough evaluation of the interventions that have been carried out, measures the achievement of the goals that have been set, and prepares the client to end the mentoring process.Putri and Amalia (2019) explained that finalization involves reviewing the client's progress, strengthening the skills and resources that have been acquired during the mentoring process, and follow-up planning to ensure the sustainability of positive change.Social workers also assist clients in identifying and accessing ongoing support systems in the community.This stage is crucial to ensure that clients are prepared to be independent and able to overcome future challenges without relying on professional mentorship.The finalization process concludes with a joint evaluation between the social worker and the client, as well as a formal closure of the case that marks the end of the professional relationship but leaves open the possibility for further support if needed in the future.
Sexual violence against children is a serious problem that requires quick and coordinated action.In accordance with Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection, professional social workers play a role as a companion in handling these cases.The mentoring process begins with an initial assessment that includes an assessment of the child's condition, identity, and psychology.Social workers then provide services according to the client's needs, including referrals to shelters or psychologists, depending on the results of the assessment.
The psychological recovery of victims involves various parties, including companions, families, and the environment.Social workers play an important role in this process, but the involvement of the victim's closest people is crucial.The development of the victim can be observed through changes in response during repeated assessments, from initially crying and being silent to being able to laugh and open up.Although social workers cannot be present 24 hours a day, they still provide directions to help victims accept their situation.In carrying out their duties, social workers face several challenges, such as a lack of professional personnel and difficulty in accessing victims' locations.This requires them to look for alternative ways to provide assistance.However, the role of social workers remains vital in the social rehabilitation process of victims of child sexual violence.
Research by Putri and Santoso (2018) emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in handling child sexual violence cases, involving social workers, psychologists, and medical personnel.Meanwhile, the Noviana study (2015) emphasized the importance of strengthening the child protection system at the community level to prevent and handle cases of sexual violence effectively.

The Role of Advocate
The role of social workers in psychosocial recovery in children victims of violence is very important and can be seen as a form of advocate role.Social workers act as a liaison between children and the service system, helping to ensure that children's rights are protected and their needs are met.They provide emotional support, help children understand and cope with trauma, and facilitate access to necessary mental health services.Social workers also often work closely with families, schools, and legal institutions to create a safe and supportive environment for children.In the context of advocacy according to Alaggia and Donohue (2018), social workers act as a voice for children who may not be able to speak up or understand their own rights, ensuring that the child receives fair and appropriate treatment in the recovery process.
can move on with life more confidently and resiliently.In addition, social workers also play a role in educating families and the surrounding community about the importance of child protection and violence prevention.

CONCLUSION
Based on the results and discussion above, the conclusion that can be drawn in this study is that the stages of assistance by social workers of the Kendari City Social Service are Workers of the Kendari City Social Department in Psychosocial Recovery for Children Victims of Violence Violence against children is still a serious problem that requires comprehensive treatment, including psychosocial recovery for victims.Social workers have a crucial role in this recovery process, focusing on the restoration of children's social functioning and psychological well-being.Through a holistic and child-centered approach, social workers seek to help children of victims of violence to cope with trauma, rebuild their confidence, and develop healthy coping skills.The interventions carried out include individual counseling, group therapy, family mentoring, and coordination with various related parties to ensure continuous support.However, challenges such as limited resources and social stigma are still often faced in practice.Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the capacity of social workers and increase public awareness to optimize their role in the psychosocial recovery of children victims of violence.Based on the results of the research carried out, it shows that the role of social workers of the Kendari City Social Department in psychosocial recovery for children victims of violence is: 1.The Role of Broker/Liaison The role of social workers as brokers or liaisons is very important in the psychosocial recovery process of child victims of violence.As brokers, social workers play a role in connecting children with the resources and services needed for recovery.They identify the child's specific needs, then seek and coordinate appropriate services, such as counseling, medical care, or legal aid.Social workers also facilitate communication between children, families, and service providers, ensuring that all parties work together effectively.This role helps overcome barriers to access to services and ensures children receive comprehensive support.By acting as a liaison, social workers help create a strong support network for children, which is essential for long-term recovery and reintegration into society.
very comprehensive and focus on sustainable social recovery for clients, especially in cases of sexual violence against children.This process includes problem identification, intervention planning, implementation, monitoring, and finalization, with a multidisciplinary approach involving multiple parties.Mentoring is gradual and flexible, ensuring that clients obtain holistic support for effective physical, mental, and social recovery.Then the social worker of the Kendari City Social Service plays an important role in the psychosocial recovery of child victims of violence through various roles such as brokers, advocates, mediators, educators, and motivators.They help children access necessary services, ensure the protection of children's rights, facilitate communication between parties, educate children and families, and motivate children to cope with trauma.Despite the challenges, this role is crucial in ensuring that children can recover and function optimally in society.

Table 1 . Data on Child Sexual Violence Victims in Kendari City for the February-March 2024 Period
Data from the Rehabilitation Division of the Kendari City Social Department, 2024)