Ensuring Access to Justice for Children with Disabilities as Victims of Sexual Violence: A Socio-Legal Study at the Palangka Raya City Police

Abstract

This study examines the fulfillment of the rights of children with disabilities who are victims of sexual violence in the law enforcement process by the police. The purpose of this study is to analyze the forms of legal protection provided and to identify the obstacles faced by the police in handling these cases. This study uses empirical legal research methods with a qualitative approach. The results show that the Palangka Raya City Police have made efforts to provide legal protection through criminal and non-criminal measures. Criminal measures include the handling of cases by special investigators for children, the provision of assistance to victims, and the prosecution of perpetrators. Meanwhile, non-criminal measures are carried out through socialization activities, counseling on the prevention of sexual violence, and cooperation with child protection agencies and relevant social institutions. However, this study found various obstacles in fulfilling the rights of victims, including limited communication with victims due to disability and trauma, difficulties in obtaining witnesses and evidence, a lack of human resources with special expertise, weak coordination between institutions, social stigma against persons with disabilities, and the risk of intimidation and revictimization of victims. These findings emphasize the need to strengthen the institutional capacity of the police, improve cross-sector coordination, and adopt a human rights-based approach to ensure effective legal protection for children with disabilities who are victims of sexual violence.