Bandung, 2024 – A recent study conducted by academics from Telkom University and Universitas Padjadjaran highlights the critical role of communication competencies in counselors assisting child victims of sexual violence. The research emphasizes that trauma recovery success depends not only on psychological knowledge but also on the counselor’s ability to build empathetic, professional, and sustainable communication.
The study, conducted at the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) Bandung, found that counselors must develop four key dimensions: personality competence, professional competence, social competence, and communication competence. This aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by addressing children’s mental health needs and supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by strengthening child protection institutions to ensure justice and safety.
Over a two-year period (2021–2023), researchers conducted in-depth interviews, observations, and literature reviews involving 14 informants, including counselors, legal experts, social activists, and police officers. Findings reveal that counselors who can effectively manage interpersonal communication help children become more open in sharing their traumatic experiences, which significantly facilitates the healing process.
The study also underscores the challenges faced by counselors, such as secondary trauma, limited resources, and children’s reluctance to disclose their experiences. Continuous training, capacity building, and institutional support are therefore essential to enhance their role.
Through this research, Telkom University and Universitas Padjadjaran call for greater attention to the development of counselor communication competencies in Indonesia. Such efforts are vital not only for promoting child victims’ mental health (SDG 3) but also for strengthening justice and inclusive child protection systems (SDG 16).
Full article available at: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250123133425_8517.pdf
Writers: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena Firdaus, Shelpi Nur Awaliyah
