North Aceh Study Reveals Institutional Gaps in Domestic Violence Prevention Efforts

Editorial Team Rabu, Agustus 26, 2026
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FORMOSA NEWS - NORTH ACEH — Collaborative governance efforts aimed at reducing domestic violence in North Aceh Regency continue to face critical operational hurdles due to a lack of formal inter-agency protocols and severe resource constraints. These findings were detailed in a joint study published in August 2026 by researchers from Senior University of Medan and Teuku Umar University.

Led by Muhammad Fathurrahim, Fidhia Aruni, Rudi Kurniawan, and Muhaddis from Senior University of Medan, alongside Safrida from Teuku Umar University, the investigation analyzed multi-stakeholder governance strategies deployed by the North Aceh Social Service, Women's Empowerment, and Child Protection Service (DSP3A) between 2023 and 2025.

Surging Case Numbers Highlight Systemic Demands

Domestic violence remains a critical public health and human rights challenge in the region, inflicting prolonged physical and psychological harm on victims—predominantly women and children. Data from North Aceh's DSP3A highlights a persistent volume of reported cases, emphasizing the need for robust institutional interventions.

Effective response mechanisms require synchronized cross-sector engagement spanning legal advocacy, social protection, medical aid, and public education. The study outlines five primary entities currently operating within the regional response network:

  • North Aceh PPA UPTD: Serves as the primary point of contact for victim intake, initial assessments, shelter referrals, and psychosocial support.

  • North Aceh Police Department (PPA Unit): Manages criminal investigations and statutory law enforcement processes.

  • Non-Governmental Organizations (LBH APIK Lhokseumawe & Flower Aceh): Provide pro bono legal representation, rights advocacy, and systemic monitoring.

  • Media and Mass Communication Outlets: Facilitate public awareness campaigns and reporting ethics.

  • Local Community Leaders: Act as grassroots channels for early conflict detection at the village level.

Research Methodology

Conducted between February and July 2026, the study utilized a descriptive qualitative research design. Primary data collection involved structured field observations and in-depth interviews with key operational actors, including the Head of the North Aceh PPA UPTD, law enforcement personnel from the police PPA Unit, legal advocates from LBH APIK, and surviving victims. Data streams were analyzed using interactive data reduction and verification models to evaluate governance dynamics and structural deficiencies.

Core Structural Barriers

While informal communication channels exist among local agencies, the research identified five persistent structural bottlenecks impeding comprehensive victim support:

  1. Human Resource Shortages: A deficit of certified caseworkers and specialized mental health professionals trained in handling severe psychological trauma.

  2. Infrastructure and Operational Deficits: Substantial shortages in dedicated counseling facilities, secure transport vehicles, and emergency funding allocation.

  3. Absence of Standardized Governance Frameworks: A lack of binding cross-agency Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or formal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), leading to inconsistent response times and uncoordinated case handoffs.

  4. Fragmented Data Management: The absence of a centralized inter-agency database, resulting in tracking delays and duplicated administrative processing.

  5. Socio-Cultural Barriers to Reporting: Pervasive social stigma, fear of retaliation, financial dependency, and local perceptions of domestic abuse as a private family matter.

"Field observations confirm that domestic violence intervention cannot depend on isolated agency actions," stated lead author Muhammad Fathurrahim. "The lack of unified SOPs and dedicated operational infrastructure directly contributes to delays in critical victim assistance."

Policy Implications and Recommendations

The researchers recommend that the North Aceh Regency Government immediately formalize inter-agency workflows by establishing joint SOPs and binding MoUs across law enforcement, social services, and legal aid NGOs.

Furthermore, local authorities are urged to expand budgetary allocations for emergency victim transportation, staff technical training, and community-level preventative outreach involving traditional and religious leadership.

Author Profiles

  • Muhammad Fathurrahim, S.Sos., M.A.P. – Principal Researcher and Lecturer, Department of State Administrative Science, Faculty of Administrative, Education, and Economics, Senior University of Medan. Specializes in public governance and policy analysis.

  • Fidhia Aruni, S.IP., M.Si. – Researcher and Lecturer, Senior University of Medan, specializing in public sector management and social policy.

  • Rudi Kurniawan, S.Sos., M.AP. – Academician at Senior University of Medan focusing on public policy evaluation and regional administration.

  • Muhaddis, S.Sos., M.Si. – Researcher at Senior University of Medan with expertise in public institutional frameworks.

  • Safrida, S.IP., M.Si. – Researcher and Lecturer, Teuku Umar University, focusing on gender studies, women's empowerment, and social welfare policy in Aceh.

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