Last November, the Baubau Cinta Baca branch in Southeastern Sulawesi opened a reading post in the District Court of Betoambari. This reading post will serve children coming to the courthouse to testify in cases of domestic abuse. As these children arrive they are stressed and overwhelmed, often being asked to testify against a parent or relative.
Even though the courthouse has prepared a special room for the children where they observe the proceedings through a monitor, it is hard for them to cope with their fears. Often they will begin to cry when it comes time to testify and are too frightened to say anything.
To help children overcome their fears and to soothe their minds, Cinta Baca decided to open a reading post in that special room of the courthouse. “We want to help children to cope with the trauma and fear by reading storybooks,” the Baubau regional leader said. The head of the court who came during the opening ceremony was grateful for Cinta Baca’s effort in helping these young victims of domestic violence.
