The Uganda Law Reform Commission has successfully completed a comprehensive legal project aimed at improving the identification, charging, and prosecution of domestic violence cases. This project involved the preparation of a Step-by-Step Guide, intended for use by duty bearers and various actors involved in addressing domestic violence. The guide provides essential guidance on what constitutes domestic violence, different acts of domestic violence, lodging complaints, charging and prosecuting cases, and the potential orders that can be issued under the Domestic Violence Act.
The primary objective of the Guide is four-fold:
- Enhancing Knowledge and Understanding: The Step-by-Step Guide equips duty bearers with the knowledge and understanding necessary to effectively apply the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act. This ensures they are better equipped to handle cases and protect the victims of domestic violence.
- Improving Awareness of Domestic Violence Laws: Duty bearers are made aware of the laws relating to domestic violence through the Guide, fostering better comprehension and implementation of legal measures.
- Demystifying Myths about Domestic Violence: The Guide seeks to dispel myths surrounding domestic violence, fostering a more accurate and informed approach to handling such cases.
- Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities: By outlining the roles and responsibilities of duty bearers, the Guide ensures a clear understanding of their respective obligations in addressing domestic violence cases.
The Step-by-Step Guide caters to a broad range of duty bearers, including the Uganda Police Force, Prosecutors, Local Council Courts, Magistrates Courts, Family and Children's Court, Local Government departments, medical practitioners, religious and traditional leaders, educators, parents, guardians, Civil Society Organisations, and members of Parliament.
The Guide addresses critical challenges faced by duty bearers in implementing their roles, such as limited knowledge of the Domestic Violence Act among the Police and Local Council Courts, lack of resources and training in identifying and investigating domestic violence cases, reluctance to charge accused persons due to the broad nature of the offense, and biases influenced by cultural and social norms that tolerate domestic violence.
To overcome these challenges, the Guide provides accessible and easily understandable information on domestic violence, potential victims and perpetrators, and various acts and omissions of domestic violence. It offers clear instructions on how to handle civil and criminal domestic violence cases at different courts, involving various actors. Additionally, the Guide highlights the powers of each court and the orders issued by the Local Council Courts, as well as how to refer a case.
The project's success is further bolstered by its meticulous preparation, involving collaboration through working group meetings and validation by stakeholders. By equipping duty bearers with the necessary information and support, the Guide aims to empower them to protect and support domestic violence victims effectively, prosecute offenders, and administer appropriate justice under the Domestic Violence Act.
Category:
Completed Projects