By Julius Konton
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), with support from the Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY), has conducted a one-day intensive training for 21 magistrates and judges.
The training was held on the effective application of the Domestic Violence Act of 2019, to enhance the judicial response to gender-based violence.
Held at a resort in Monrovia, the workshop titled: “Survivor-Centered Rehabilitation, Prevention and Justice in Liberia,” focused on strengthening the capacity of judiciary to handle cases of domestic and sexual violence with greater legal clarity and survivor sensitivity.
AFELL President Philomena T. Williams, underscored the pivotal role of judicial officers in upholding the law and safeguarding the rights of survivors.
“Your honors, you definitely play a key role in responding to gender-based violence,” Cllr. Williams told the participants.
She urged the judiciary to view the Domestic Violence Act, not just as legislation, but as a tool to provide meaningful relief, support and protection for victims.
AFELL officials revealed that Domestic Violence and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), remain the most frequently reported complaints at its Legal Aid Clinic.
Among the speakers was Phillip A. Z. Banks, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, who led a session on the practical application of the Domestic Violence Act in magisterial court proceedings.
Justice Banks highlighted the lack of legal resources as a significant barrier to informed decision-making among judges.
“They are not supplying our judges with legal materials to enable them to make decisions from an informed perspective,” he said.
In a bid to address this challenge, Justice Banks pledged to provide participating judges and magistrates with legal texts, and materials to support future rulings; a commitment that was met with appreciation from attendees.
The workshop was part of AFELL’s broader initiative to provide continuous legal education for the judiciary, a program that has already begun to improve court responses to gender-based violence in the country.
Founded as a non-profit, non-governmental organization, AFELL operates through two main pillars: a Legal Aid Clinic that offers free legal services to vulnerable populations, and a specialized SGBV Unit that leads national advocacy, litigation, and policy reform on gender-based violence.