<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of criminal sanctions imposed on perpetrators of sexual violence against children in Palembang City, while also identifying the obstacles encountered by law enforcement authorities. The research adopts both normative and empirical legal methods, combining a comprehensive literature review with direct interviews conducted with officers from the Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA) of the Palembang Police Department. Through this dual approach, the study seeks to provide a more holistic understanding of how laws are applied in practice and the challenges that emerge during their enforcement. The findings indicate that, in principle, the existing legal framework for handling sexual violence cases against children is relatively adequate and already provides a foundation for imposing strict sanctions on offenders. However, the actual implementation of criminal sanctions often faces numerous barriers. Among the most significant are the insufficiency of evidence, difficulties in securing reliable witnesses, and the psychological trauma experienced by child victims, which frequently prevents them from giving consistent testimony. These limitations hinder the achievement of justice and weaken the intended deterrent effect of criminal sanctions. Furthermore, the effectiveness of law enforcement is not solely determined by legal provisions, but also by other interrelated factors. Constraints related to the professionalism and sensitivity of law enforcement officials, the availability of supporting infrastructure and resources, the level of community awareness, and cultural perceptions surrounding sexual violence all play crucial roles. Thus, improving legal outcomes requires not only strengthening the legal system but also addressing broader social and institutional dimensions. Keywords: Sexual violence against children, Criminal sanctions effectiveness, Law enforcement obstacles]]>
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