Paralegals and Women Access to Justice : Making Access to Justice of Women Victims of Violence Effective

Abstract

This study responds to the fact that the high number of violence against women (KtP) and the weakness of access to justice of women victims of violence, whereas the Government of Indonesia has issued various laws and regulations to protect women. This shows that the face of women, especially women victims of violence in law and social life in Indonesia is very complex.The main obstacle faced by women victims of domestic violence (KDRT) in Surakarta City in accessing justice is the low awareness and understanding of their legal rights. To assist the constraints faced by women victims of violence in accessing justice, the role of intermediaries in this paralegal becomes very important. Therefore, this study will explore the deepening of the role effectiveness and constraints faced by paralegals in the fulfillment of access to justice for women victims Violence in Surakarta City. The purpose of this study is to orient theoretical development on the study of violence against women and access to justice.This research uses qualitative socio-legal method that is interdisciplinary approach to law; Is an alternative approach to conduct an examination of legal studies that are doctrinal.In particular, there are three reasons why the role of paralegals is crucial in helping women victims of access to justice. First, paralegals play the role of "familiarization" of the legal system for poor and marginalized groups such as women victims of violence. Second, paralegals are more accessible to women’s groups. In addition to being easy to find, legal services by paralegals are cheaper than similar services provided by lawyers or advocates. Third, paralegals influence the power relations and bargaining position of women groups that can be seen from reaction changes and other parties’ responses including responses from government institutions and law enforcement agencies. In general, paralegals apply methods of empowerment, education and legal training and representatives of justice seekers. In addition to seeking justice seekers to obtain justice in a real sense, paralegals also build social movements capable of encouraging the settlement of cases and enforcement of women’s rights.Constraints often faced by paralegals in assisting women victims of access to justice are the absence of formal legitimacy for paralegals in terms of legislation, the lack of funds owned by institutions where paralegals are sheltered and formal education level problems for uneven paralegals.