Community-Based Legal Aid for Victims of Domestic Violence: A Case Study in Rural East Nusa Tenggara

Abstract

Introduction:
Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in rural areas of Indonesia, including East Nusa Tenggara, where victims often face significant barriers to accessing justice and support due to limited legal infrastructure and cultural stigma.

Purpose:
This study aims to explore the effectiveness of community-based legal aid programs in providing accessible, culturally sensitive support to domestic violence survivors in rural East Nusa Tenggara.

Method:
A qualitative case study was conducted involving interviews with survivors, community legal aid workers, local leaders, and health professionals. Participant observation and document analysis of legal aid policies were also utilized to assess program implementation and impact.

Findings and Results:
The findings reveal that community-based legal aid initiatives significantly improved survivors’ access to legal information, protection, and psychological support. The programs fostered trust within communities by integrating local customs and empowering women to seek justice. However, challenges such as limited resources, ongoing social stigma, and inadequate coordination with formal legal institutions persist.

Urgency:
Given the high incidence of domestic violence and persistent barriers to justice in rural regions, it is urgent to strengthen and expand community-based legal aid models that address local social and cultural realities.

Contribution:
This study contributes to the growing body of research on legal empowerment by demonstrating that community-rooted legal aid can effectively bridge gaps in formal justice systems and enhance protection for vulnerable populations.

Recommendation:
Policy efforts should prioritize increased funding, capacity building for community legal aid workers, and stronger linkages between community initiatives and formal legal services to create comprehensive support networks for domestic violence victims.