Topics

Violence to Women and Children

• After meeting with several focus groups in Cambodian villages, the women said they wanted a book in their language that would explain their rights under the law and how to use the law to achieve those rights. The first problem each group mentioned was violence in the home. Even though many could not read, someone among the family or friends could and would explain it to the others. Following that, the Knowledge of Law for Women was produced. At first, only a small number were created because the funder felt it would not have a large market. But immediately upon production, the books were gone and put into use. Eventually thousands were produced and the book began to be used in the women’s studies classes at local universities. Knowledge of Law for Women, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 2004.
• In newly democratic states, legal literacy is of major concern. While in Russia, a series of simple, easy to read and understand brochures, were created on topics such as the Constitution, labor rights, divorce, child custody, child support, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. The series was called “A Rainbow of Rights” and produced in appropriate colors. Over 80,000 brochures were distributed in less than two years and continues to be a part of the program.

Sex Trafficking

• A 16 week course for law students on sex trafficking was developed in Russian. The course is available solely on CD. It is divided into lectures, handouts, activities, required reading, extra reading, AV and evaluation. Instructors can download and use what is appropriate for their class. Available from the ABA.
• A training for consular officers regarding sex trafficking was created and delivered in September 2007 for various consulates in Vladivostok, Russia. The training package complete with trainers manual, power point presentations, and handouts is available from ABA ROLI.
• At a national conference on domestic violence, the issue was raised that many trafficking victims are finding their way to shelters or being brought by the police for lack of other options. The shelter staff did not know how to respond. Pursuant to that need, DHS engaged Post to write a manual for shelters. What Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Service Providers Need to Know About Sex Trafficking, Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, April, 2002.
• In preparation for the South East Asia Conference on Trafficking in Children for Sexual Purposes, Medan Indonesia, March 2004, Post created a matrix of what is necessary to conform to international standards and analyzed the laws of the 10 ASEAN countries resulting in a Comparison of ASEAN Laws on Trafficking to the UN Protocol. A similar matrix was created for the Women’s World Conference in 2005 in Seoul, Korea.

Regions

Russia

• One of the difficulties in advocating for vulnerable populations is finding attorneys who are trained and more importantly willing to bring human rights law suits for the victims. In many former Soviet Union countries, the law allows non-lawyers to practice in the courts under certain circumstances. To meet the need for such representation, a “social advocate” program was created in Russia. The model was so successful, it was repeated several times in Russia and exported to several other Russian speaking countries. A manual in Russian is now available from ABA CEELI or by emailing Ms. Post.
• In newly democratic states, legal literacy is of major concern. While in Russia, a series of simple, easy to read and understand brochures, were created on topics such as the Constitution, labor rights, divorce, child custody, child support, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. The series was called “A Rainbow of Rights” and produced in appropriate colors. Over 80,000 were distributed in less than two years and continue to be a part of the program.

Southeast Asia

• After meeting with several focus groups in Cambodian villages, the women said they wanted a book in their language that would explain their rights under the law and how to use the law to achieve those rights. The first problem each group mentioned was violence in the home. Even though many could not read, someone among the family or friends could and would explain it to the others. Following that, the Knowledge of Law for Women was produced. At first, only a small number were created because the funder felt it would not be much used. But immediately upon production, the books were gone and put into use. Eventually thousands were produced and the book began to be used in the gender studies classes at local universities. Knowledge of Law for Women, East West Management Institute, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 2004.
• In preparation for the South East Asia Conference on Trafficking in Children for Sexual Purposes, Medan Indonesia, March 2004, Post created a matrix of what is necessary to conform to international standards and analyzed the laws of the 10 ASEAN countries resulting in a Comparison of ASEAN Laws on Trafficking to the UN Protocol. A similar matrix was created for the Women’s World Conference in 2005 in Seoul, Korea.
• In partnership with German Technical Assistance – Women’s Rights Project in Cambodia, a training manual for judges on domestic violence was created with extensive interactive techniques built into the training. Judicial Training Manual for the Royal School of Magistrates and Prosecutors, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, December 2004 for German Technical Assistance – Women’s Rights Project.