South Africa: Legal Aid in Fight Against Women and Child Abuse

Date: 
Monday, December 5, 2011
Source: 
BizCommunity.com
Countries: 
Africa
Southern Africa
Southern Africa
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Vulnerable women seeking advice and assistance at the Randburg Magistrate's Court during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children will have access to expert legal counsel from Norton Rose South Africa.

Every morning, for the duration of the campaign until 10 December 2011, help desks staffed by attorneys will be set up at the family section of the court. The assistance will include help with how to complete protection order application forms. The process for receiving help from the court is an area that Norton Rose has found to be challenging for many women.

Liesl Williams, head of the public interest law department at the law firm, commented: "It has been our privilege to provide this help desk support for three years now. During this time we have established that many South African women are uncertain of the correct process when completing court documents and exact procedures that must be followed. It is vital to file correct papers in the beginning to bring about speedier turn-around times on their cases."