PENEGAKAN HUKUM TERHADAP PELAKU TINDAK PIDANA KEKERASAN FISIK PADA ANAK DALAM RUMAH TANGGA (Studi di Polresta Malang Kota)

Physical violence against children within the household is not only a violation of the rights of the child but also a serious challenge in the process of law enforcement. This study examines how the Malang City Police (Polresta Malang) handle cases of physical violence against children, as well as identifying various obstacles that arise at each stage, from the initial reporting to the handover to the prosecutor's office. The method used is a juridical-sociological approach, with data collected through direct interviews with investigators and case documentation. The findings show that the process of law enforcement does not always run smoothly; various obstacles are found in the field, such as the low public awareness of the importance of child protection, as well as other barriers related to legal structure, legal substance, and legal culture, as explained in Lawrence M. Friedman’s legal system theory. This study emphasizes that the success of law enforcement in cases of physical violence against children depends not only on the existence of legal regulations but also on the readiness of law enforcement officers, the availability of supporting facilities, and collective awareness to protect the victims. In this context, it is important to understand that the main purpose of Law Number 23 of 2004 concerning the Elimination of Domestic Violence is not merely to punish or imprison the perpetrator, but also to provide protection, recovery, and the fulfillment of the rights of victims—especially children, who are particularly vulnerable to violence within the family environment.