Proving Sexual Grooming in Child Molestation Crimes (Case Study at the Padang Panjang District Attorney's Office)

Abstract

The study entitled ’Proof of Sexual Grooming in Child Molestation Crimes (A Case Study at the Padang Panjang District Attorney's Office)" is significant due to the increasing rate of crimes against children, the shift in perspectives within child protection legislation, the limited literacy and understanding among public prosecutors regarding sexual grooming, and the existing legal vacuum concerning the regulation of sexual grooming. This research aims (1) to identify and analyze the evidence of sexual grooming during the prosecution process and (2) to analyze the obstacles and solutions in implementing the proof of sexual grooming. This research employs a descriptive-analytical method with a normative legal research approach. Data collection and analysis were conducted through library research using statutory, case, and conceptual approaches. The findings indicate, first, that the evidence of sexual grooming by public prosecutors in children molestation cases is carried out by examining the evidence presented during trial proceedings. The most crucial evidence in proving sexual grooming is documentary evidence in the form of a Visa et Psychiatric or psychological records of the child victims, which are further strengthened by expert testimony. Second, the obstacles encountered in proving sexual grooming are based on three legal factors. From the perspective of legal substance, there is currently no specific legislation regulating sexual grooming. From the legal structure perspective, law enforcement officers often lack sufficient understanding and expertise regarding sexual grooming. From the legal culture perspective, public awareness and understanding of sexual grooming in child molestation cases remain limited. To address these obstacles, several solutions are proposed: (1) the establishment of specific regulations governing sexual grooming; (2) the optimization of electronic evidence utilization; (3) the implementation of a multidisciplinary approach; and (4) the enhancement of law enforcement officers' capacity and competence.