Legal Study of Legal Protection for Child Victims of Sexual Violence: Obstacles and Efforts to Strengthen Protection

Abstract

Sexual violence against children is a form of human rights violation that negatively impacts their physical, psychological, and social development. Children, as a vulnerable group, require adequate legal protection to ensure the fulfillment of their rights as victims. This study aims to examine legal protection for child victims of sexual violence, identify obstacles encountered in its implementation, and analyze efforts to strengthen legal protection in the future. The research method used is a normative juridical approach with descriptive analytical research specifications. Data were obtained through a literature review, examining laws and regulations, legal literature, and other legal materials related to legal protection for child victims of sexual violence. The results indicate that legal protection for child victims of sexual violence is realized through the provision of legal aid, witness and victim protection, rehabilitation, health services, psychosocial support, and guarantees for the fulfillment of victims' rights as stipulated in Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection and related laws and regulations. However, the implementation of legal protection still faces various obstacles, including aspects of legal substance, legal structure, legal culture, and limited supporting facilities and infrastructure. Therefore, efforts are needed to strengthen legal protection by optimizing the roles of law enforcement officials, child protection agencies, the government, families, and the community to ensure recovery and ongoing protection for child victims of sexual violence.