VOLUNTEER COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT IN HANDLING CHILDREN OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE VICTIM IN BANDUNG-INDONESIA

Abstract

Everyday face-to-face, direct listening and even being a pillar of strengthening children who are victims of sexual violence make volunteers feel as if they have experienced the traumatic event themselves. The growing sense of empathy causes volunteers to face situations that require extraordinary mental strength. In this stressful situation, volunteers are required to formulate ways to manage communication. This study aims to examine how volunteers at the Centre for Women and Children Protection in Bandung manage communication in dealing with children who have experienced sexual violence. The researcher conducted an in-depth analysis of self-management, interpersonal management, social system management and competence management of volunteers when working with the victims. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and case study method to analyse data from 12 informant who are the volunteers involved in the organization. This research concluded that volunteers who received trauma from their clients at any time did self-management in the form of interpersonal communication to manage stress. Volunteers doing the interpersonal communication with children as their clients as well as simultaneously establish communication with other volunteers. Volunteers interact and build interpersonal relationships with people in the institution and constantly improve their competence in managing communication.