Law Enforcement Against Children as Perpetrators of Victim Blaming in Sexual Violence Cases

Pinta Prasetyaning Darma Fitri; Rini Fathonah; Gidayani; Fristia Berdian Tamza

doi:10.32332/istinbath.v22i01.10569

Authors

Pinta Prasetyaning Darma Fitri Faculty of Law, University of Lampung, Indonesia
Rini Fathonah Faculty of Law, University of Lampung, Indonesia
Gidayani IAI Tulang Bawang, Lampung, Indonesia
Fristia Berdian Tamza Faculty of Law, University of Lampung, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32332/istinbath.v22i01.10569

Keywords:

Law Enforcement, Child Perpetrators, Victim Blaming

Abstract

This study critically examines the phenomenon of children as perpetrators of victim blaming in cases of sexual violence, a dimension that has been largely overlooked in legal and child protection policy studies. Using an empirical legal approach that combines normative analysis, case studies, and conceptual analysis, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the law enforcement system against children involved in the practice of blaming victims of sexual violence. The findings show that although there is a fairly progressive legal framework through Law No. 11 of 2012 on the Criminal Justice System for Children, its implementation has not substantively addressed the symbolic aspects of violence. First, legal narratives tend to place children as perpetrators in general, without considering the socio-cultural context behind victim blaming. Second, the penal system remains textual and lacks a rehabilitative approach consistent with restorative justice principles. Third, diversion mechanisms have not been optimized to address child perpetrators in cases of non-physical violence such as victim blaming. Fourth, the weak literacy of law enforcement officials regarding the psychosocial and symbolic dimensions of violence results in responses that are procedural and non-transformative. This study suggests strengthening legal interventions based on moral education, social recovery, and cross-sectoral involvement to prevent the replication of symbolic violence by children in their social spaces.

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