Protection of sexual violence victims from the perspective of maqasid al shariah

The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) in Indonesia plays a crucial role in safeguarding individuals affected by sexual violence. This article evaluates the LPSK’s authority in protecting sexual violence witnesses and victims through the lens of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah. Employing a normative research approach, laws and regulations relevant to witness and victim protection were analyzed. Data, gathered via literature review, underwent deductive analysis. The study highlights that LPSK’s authority is governed by Laws No. 13/2006 (amended to No. 31/2014) on the Protection of Witnesses and Victims and Law No. 12/2022 on Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence. While these laws establish a vital framework for safeguarding sexual violence victims, their execution reveals notable weaknesses. To achieve the highest realization of maslaḥah in maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah, enhancing the protection of witnesses and victims is imperative. LPSK should focus on five key aspects: ḥifẓ al-dīn (protecting victims in accordance with God’s commandments, ḥifẓ al-nafs (providing medical protection, ḥifẓ al-nasl (administering punishment to perpetrators violating victims’ dignity, ḥifẓ al-'aql (imparting knowledge about victims’ rights, and ḥifẓ al-māl (supporting victims in obtaining restitution or material needs.