Domestic violence remains a major social and public policy challenge in Indonesia. Many victims hesitate to report abuse because of fear, emotional dependence, economic vulnerability, or concerns about social stigma. As a result, numerous survivors experience delays in receiving legal protection, psychological assistance, healthcare, and social support.
In North Aceh Regency, domestic violence cases are handled through collaboration among multiple institutions, including the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA), social services, police departments, healthcare providers, legal aid organizations, village governments, and community organizations. However, coordination among these institutions often faces significant challenges, including fragmented case records, slow referral processes, and limited monitoring of victim recovery. These obstacles reduce the effectiveness of public services and may weaken public trust in government institutions.
According to the research team, information technology offers a practical solution to these governance challenges. A well-integrated digital system can connect every stage of victim assistance—from case reporting and risk assessment to legal support, psychosocial rehabilitation, inter-agency referrals, and long-term monitoring—making services faster, more coordinated, and more responsive to victims' needs.
To explore this issue, the researchers adopted a qualitative descriptive approach combining document analysis, in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and stakeholder mapping. They reviewed government regulations, service reports, standard operating procedures, and case documentation while engaging directly with relevant institutions to develop a model for technology-based public service governance for domestic violence victims.
The findings reveal that information technology can improve public service effectiveness through five major contributions.
1. Expanding Access to Victim Reporting
Many victims avoid reporting abuse in person because they fear retaliation from perpetrators or negative reactions from their communities. Digital platforms—including mobile applications, WhatsApp services, online portals, and emergency hotlines—allow victims to report incidents more safely, confidentially, and conveniently. These digital channels reduce barriers to accessing protection and encourage earlier intervention.
2. Improving Risk Assessment
Digital systems enable service providers to record case details, victim conditions, levels of risk, and service needs more systematically. With better information management, authorities can prioritize high-risk cases, provide immediate protection, and ensure victims receive appropriate legal and social assistance without unnecessary delays.
3. Strengthening Inter-Agency Coordination
Domestic violence cases require collaboration among numerous public institutions. The study proposes an integrated digital dashboard that allows each agency to monitor case progress, coordinate responsibilities, and exchange information securely. Such a system can minimize duplication of services, accelerate referrals, and ensure that victims receive continuous support throughout the recovery process.
4. Protecting Sensitive Victim Data
The researchers emphasize that victim information—including identities, addresses, incident details, and legal records—must be treated as highly confidential. Therefore, any digital platform should incorporate strong cybersecurity measures, user authentication, access control, and data protection standards to prevent unauthorized access and safeguard victims from additional harm.
5. Supporting Long-Term Recovery and Empowerment
Technology should not only facilitate case reporting but also support victims' long-term recovery. Integrated information systems can connect survivors with counseling services, healthcare, legal assistance, social rehabilitation, vocational training, financial support programs, and economic empowerment initiatives. Continuous digital monitoring enables authorities to track each victim's recovery journey and ensure that essential services are delivered effectively.
The study argues that information technology should be viewed as a fundamental component of public service reform rather than merely an administrative tool. By integrating digital platforms into victim protection systems, local governments can provide services that are more responsive, transparent, accountable, and centered on survivors' safety and dignity. The proposed approach also aligns with Indonesia's Law No. 23 of 2004 on the Elimination of Domestic Violence, which guarantees victims' rights to protection, healthcare, legal assistance, and rehabilitation.
According to Fidhia Aruni and her research colleagues, successful digital transformation in domestic violence services depends on strong collaboration among government agencies and supporting institutions. Local governments should establish accessible digital reporting channels, implement comprehensive data protection policies, develop integrated coordination systems, and strengthen the digital capabilities of public service personnel. Technology, they argue, should function as a strategic instrument for improving collaborative governance rather than simply digitizing existing administrative procedures.
The findings have broad implications for multiple stakeholders. For local governments, the proposed digital governance model offers a practical framework for strengthening public services for women and children. For law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and social service organizations, integrated digital systems can improve coordination and accelerate decision-making. Most importantly, for victims and communities, secure digital services may encourage more survivors to report abuse earlier, enabling authorities to intervene more quickly and effectively.
The researchers recommend that future studies move beyond conceptual analysis by developing and testing digital service platforms in real-world settings. Pilot projects, user experience evaluations, cybersecurity assessments, and cost-effectiveness analyses will be essential to determine how technology-based governance models can best support domestic violence victims across Indonesia.
Author Profile
Fidhia Aruni is a researcher in the Doctoral Program of Public Administration at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, specializing in public governance, digital transformation, public service innovation, and the protection of women and children. This study was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Rahmat Salam, Prof. Dr. Taufiqurokhman (Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta), Dr. Rudi Kurniawan (Universitas Senior Medan), Maryam (Universitas Malikussaleh), and Nurul Kamaly (Universitas Syiah Kuala), whose expertise includes public administration, public policy, governance, and social protection.
Research Source
Article Title: Information Technology for the Effectiveness of Public Service Governance for Victims of Domestic Violence in North Aceh Regency
Authors: Fidhia Aruni, Rahmat Salam, Taufiqurokhman, Rudi Kurniawan, Maryam, Nurul Kamaly
Journal: International Journal of Applied and Scientific Research (IJASR)
Volume & Issue: Vol. 4, No. 4 (2026), pp. 241–250
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