Komunikasi Kebijakan dalam Upaya Preventif pada Kekerasan Seksual Anak di Kecamatan Binjai Utara

Abstract

Policy communication in the context of preventing child sexual violence is a crucial element in creating a safe and child-friendly environment, particularly in Binjai Utara District. This study aims to examine how policy communication implemented by the Binjai City Government, through the Community-Based Integrated Child Protection Program (PATBM), functions in the prevention of child sexual violence in Binjai Utara District. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. The research was conducted at the Office of Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, and Community Development. Informants included the Secretary of the Agency, the Head of the Division of Women's Protection, Special Child Protection and Fulfillment of Children's Rights, the Head of UPTD PPA Binjai City, the Subdistrict Head of Binjai Utara, the PATBM Coordinator for Binjai Utara District, and local community leaders. The data were analyzed using George C. Edwards III’s policy implementation theory, which includes the indicators of information transmission, message clarity, and message consistency. The result of the study indicate that policy communication through PATBM in Binjai Utara District still faces several challenges, such as uneven dissemination of information to all community levels, limited public understanding of their roles in preventing child sexual violence, and lack of consistency in outreach activities. Nonetheless, the PATBM task force in Binjai Utara is relatively more active than in other districts, with several educational and victim-assistance initiatives being conducted regularly. The Binjai City Office of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection is advised to strengthen its communication strategies through community-based approaches, broaden the reach of its socialization efforts, and ensure that policy messages are conveyed consistently and clearly. Furthermore, involving local figures and enhancing the capacity of PATBM task forces at the village level are essential steps toward building participatory and sustainable child protection efforts.