Analysis of the Roles of Various Actors in Addressing Sexual Violence Against Victims from Low Income Backgrounds

Abstract

Sexual violence is a complex problem requiring a holistic approach through collaboration among various stakeholders. However, victims from low-income backgrounds continue to face numerous barriers to accessing legal, health, and psychosocial services due to limited resources, stigma, and weak inter-institutional coordination. This study aims to analyze the roles, influences, and relationships between stakeholders in addressing sexual violence among victims from low-income backgrounds using the MACTOR (Matrix of Alliances and Conflicts, Tactics, Objectives, and Recommendations) approach. The study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing primary data collected through interviews and questionnaires with seven key stakeholders: the Department for the Advancement and Protection of Women and Children (DP3A), health professionals, the Police Department's Women and Children's Protection Unit (PPA), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), victims' families, the local community, and psychologists. It also draws on a literature review. The results of the analysis show that the DP3A, psychologists, and the police PPA are the actors with the highest influence and greatest capacity to act within the care system. The convergence analysis indicates a strong alignment of goals among the main actors, while the divergence analysis reveals no significant conflicts of interest. These findings demonstrate that the effectiveness of victim support depends more on the quality of cross-sectoral coordination than on the dominant role of any single institution. This study contributes to this understanding by mapping the strategic relationships between actors using MACTOR analysis, thereby providing a basis for strengthening cooperative governance and formulating more inclusive policies to combat sexual violence, particularly for low-income populations.

Keywords:  Low-income backgrounds, Mactor, Sexual violence