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Centre for Criminal Justice - Furthering Human Rights Through Access To Justice
![]() furthering human rights
through access to justice Background & ActivitiesCommunity Outreach: Problems Addressed by the Support Centres |
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Co-ordinators of Support Centres attend to clients and take referrals from police, courts and members of the community on issues and problems relating to: Child AbuseStaff offer caring assistance to children who are victims of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as children who have been neglected or abandoned. Read some examples of these cases. Child MaintenanceWhen assisting mothers to obtain maintenance for their children staff work closely with magistrate's courts. They also engage with employers of defaulting parents, enforcing garnishee orders and/or court orders against these employers where necessary and appropriate. Read some examples of these cases. Domestic ViolenceInformation about the client's legal rights is given to them, and they are encouraged to report abuse to the Support Centre the first time it occurs. The case can be mediated upon request and there is counseling available to the victim and the perpetrator. All this is done with sensitivity to the all the parties involved. Read some examples of these cases. RapeRape is a frightening experience for anyone to have to live through. Clients are encouraged to report rape to the police, and are assisted to do this by the Support Centre co-ordinators, who ensures that the police and court officials who are involved in the case treat the victims with sensitivity. Victims are counseled and given comfort by staff, and always assured of confidentiality. When the case goes to court, clients are informed about what to expect in court and the legal procedures to be followed. Should a client require follow-up counseling, they are referred to a professional counselor. Read some examples of these cases. |