Cultural Norms, Digital Dynamics, and Community Responses: Addressing Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Medan

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-325-2_36How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Child sexual exploitation and abuse; cultural norms; social media; community-driven approaches; intervention strategies

Abstract

Child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) is a significant challenge in Medan, Indonesia. This paper explores CSEA from social and cultural perspectives, examining the influence of social media and the internet. By analyzing local cultural norms, societal attitudes, and community dynamics, this study aims to understand how these factors contribute to CSEA and shape victims’ experiences. Additionally, it investigates the dual role of social media and the internet in both facilitating and combating CSEA. Employing a mixed-methods approach, employ a qualitative methodology with an ethnographic approach, the study combines literature review, participant observation, and qualitative interviews with survivors, children, authorities, social workers, and community leaders. The findings reveal that cultural stigmas and societal attitudes significantly impact victims’ willingness to report abuse. Traditional beliefs often lead to victim-blaming and silence, perpetuating the cycle of abuse. The proliferation of digital platforms has created new avenues for exploitation but also offers tools for awareness and support. In Medan, the diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds adds complexity to addressing CSEA. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive, community-driven approaches, integrating local insights with technological tools. Strategies include community education programs, social media campaigns, and digital reporting mechanisms. In conclusion, a holistic approach combining socio-cultural understanding and technology is essential to prevent CSEA and empower victims in Medan.

Copyright

© 2024 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Said Fahri Assegaf
PY  - 2024
DA  - 2024/12/19
TI  - Cultural Norms, Digital Dynamics, and Community Responses: Addressing Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Medan
BT  - Proceedings of the ASEAN Conference on Sexual Exploitation of Children (ACOSEC 2024)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 317
EP  - 323
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-325-2_36
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-325-2_36
ID  - Assegaf2024
ER  -