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Agency to assist family of Bengkulu rape, murder victim through trauma
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A candlelight contemplation ceremony was held in honor of rape and murder victim Yuyun in front of the East Kalimantan Governor's office in Samarinda on May 11, 2016. (TRIBUNNEWS)
T
he Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) plan to send a support team to protect the family members of 14-year old gang rape and murder victim Yuyun, saying that the family has been severely traumatized by the highly publicized case.
Relatives of Yuyun, the young girl from Bengkulu whose tragic death united the nation and drove the government to take a stronger stance against the rampant sexual violence, are said to have retreated to a more secluded area at the foot of the mountains due to the recent events.
"We will send a team of people tomorrow," LPSK deputy chair Lies Sulistini said on Monday, as quoted by Tempo.co.
The team, she continued, are to meet the family members on June 8. Police officers would also be involved in the group to ensure the safety of the family.
Lies said the team would analyze the condition of the family members to determine a suitable approach to help them.
The team will also coordinate with law enforcement personnel to determine the right strategy to ensure that the family’s rights are protected, she added.
She said the team will remain with the family until they are assured that the family are settled safely in their new surroundings.
Yunun, a junior high school (SMP) student from the remote area of Rejang Lebong in Bengkulu, Sumatra, was tied up and brutally raped by 14 men until she died.
Her body was found on April 4, several days after her death. The search had been carried out by police, family members and residents, including some of the perpetrators themselves.
Lies said the agency plan to coordinate with relevant authorities during their time with Yuyun’s family, including the local government, so as to prepare doctors and psychologists to assist them.
"We must first make sure that we are providing relevant services," she said.
Seven of the offenders, who are still underage themselves, were each sentenced to serve 10 years in prison - a punishment many felt was too soft. (liz/dan)
