'Aisyiyah's Posbakum Strategy in Optimising Legal Aid for Women and Children

Abstract

This paper focused on the ‘ Aisyiyah Legal Aid Post (Posbakum) under the Regional Leadership of ‘ Aisiyah Central Java, which has been accredited by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and has provided legal aid services to the poor, including women, children and people with disabilities. The establishment of the ’Aisyiyah Legal Aid Post was a decision of the 46th Congress in Yogyakarta , born out of ’Aisyiyah’s concern for law enforcement and justice in society and as a means of fighting for the rights of people who were violated or faced legal problems, especially women and children. This paper explains the strategies and efforts made by the Legal Aid Post ’Aisyiyah Regional Leader of ’Aisyiyah Central Java, in providing services and legal assistance for victims during and after receiving assistance. In addition, it also explains the strategy for institutional strengthening. Data were obtained through documentation studies and open interviews with informants of Posbakum Regional Leader of ’Aisyiyah Central Java Management. Data analysis was carried out using a qualitative descriptive method with a normative approach. The results showed that the Legal Aid Post ’Aisyiyah Central Java provides services to law seekers in the form of both litigation and non- litigation cases. Litigation cases included victim assistance in case settlement, court proceedings and post-litigation assistance. Meanwhile, non-litigation cases included several activities, like legal consultation, research, and community empowerment. The implementation of advocacy and assistance for women, children and disabled victims of violence aim ed to heal trauma, protect women from violence and neglect, protect the rights of women and their children and provide legal defence and protection. The victim assistance strategy used a collaborative approach involving curative and preventive. The collaborative approach is psychological and religious. After providing assistance in court, Legal Aid Posts (PosBakum) assisted victims through psychological and medical rehabilitation of victims, raising awareness of victims so that their rights can be protected, providing training on life skills for victims so that they have technical skills and expertise both in the community and family environment to earn an income that can be used to support themselves and their families. In an effort to strengthen institutions and implement the programmes carried out, the Legal Aid Post (Posbakum) built synergy between all parties to gain a good perspective from law enforcement officials in order to help women with disabilities who are victims of sexual violence get justice. This synergy was achieved through the Fogus Group Discussions with law enforcement officials, facilitators and the community. Additionally, an audience with the Central Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights was offered. A workshop was conducted for accredited legal aid organisations throughout Central Java in providing legal aid with the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. They campaigned for the fulfilment of disabled rights in accessing justice, such as having special legal officers trained to handle disabled issues because they need special knowledge and handling. Moreover, they submitted aspirations to provincial parliaments during recess and provided input for draft regulations and bills. Also, conducting education and training. Lastly, make Memorandum of Understanding with networks for case assistance. Keywords: ’Aisyiyah, Legal Aid Post, Victim Assistance, Women and Children, strategy