Access to Justice for Child Victims of Sexual Violence in Indonesia: A Sociolegal Analysis of Legal Assistance and Secondary Victimization
International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine,
Vol. 16 (2026),
1 January 2026
,
Page 1-8
https://doi.org/10.22037/ijmtfm.v16.53080
Abstract
Background: Child sexual violence remains a major public health, legal, and human rights concern. Secondary victimization may occur through repeated procedures, fragmented institutional responses, and insensitive interactions with the justice system. This study examined the role of legal assistance in facilitating access to justice and reducing the risk of secondary victimization among child victims of sexual violence in Batam, Indonesia.
Methods: An interpretivist, qualitative, socio-legal study using an explanatory case study design was conducted in Batam. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with professional stakeholders involved in child protection and legal assistance, as well as with family members of child victims, and were complemented by institutional records and relevant legal and policy documents. Data were analyzed thematically and interpreted using a socio-legal framework.
Results: Legal assistance facilitated procedural navigation, improved communication between families and justice institutions, and provided continuity of support throughout legal proceedings. Participants perceived legal assistance as reducing procedural uncertainty and the risk of repeated or unnecessary institutional encounters. However, limited interagency coordination, inadequate specialized human resources, and inconsistent communication remained barriers to effective assistance. An integrated legal assistance pathway was conceptually developed based on the findings.
Conclusion: Legal assistance plays an important role in facilitating access to justice and reducing the risk of secondary victimization. Integrated, trauma-informed collaboration among legal, medical, psychosocial, and child protection services is essential for continuous and child-sensitive support.
- Access to justice; Child victims; Legal assistance; Secondary victimization; Sexual violence
How to Cite
References
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