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EWLA`s legal aid department provides
free legal advice and counseling in civil and criminal cases
to women who are victims of violence women dealing with marital disputes, paternity issues,
maintenance claims, succession rights, employment issues and
the Like. Wherever possible, the EWLA undertakes mediation activities in
order to reconcile spouses and resolve issues amicably, rather
than adopting an adversarial approach. The activities and
affairs of the Association are
carried out in Addis Ababa (the head office) and at EWLA`s six branch offices in Nazareth, Diredawa, Awassa, Gamebela, Assosa,
BahirDar).
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The legal aid department is also heavily
involved in lobbying ventures. Letters are written
to government
and
non-government organizations
in the hopes of seeking
solutions for various problems that
EWLA encounters.
When needed, the
association is also instrumental in writing
drafts for
other documents,
such as,
petitions, court briefs, affidavits, and memorandum of
appeals to courts. In order to insure the clients’ cases
receive just outcomes, the
department monitors the
progress of cases, through
telephone inquiries and personal appearances
before the police, public prosecutors, courts and other
relevant organizations.
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addition to the services mentioned above,
EWLA
also provides
shelter for victims of
sexual violence. These women stay in this
“safe
house”
until able to
find a
more
permanent
resolution
to their problems
and
legal redress. Although the shelter is
offered as a temporary
solution, until suitable permanent arrangements can
be met, most women have no other options and remain
in the “safe house” for sometime.
Due to the
lack of facilities and
space, it has not been possible to accommodate
newcomers.
EWLA
is now looking into alternatives.
The association is contact
with other organizations, which may be able to
provide long-term assistance and accommodations for
the women who,
so desperately, need them.
If you or an
organization you are involved with are able to aid
EWLA in meeting the needs of our clients for
facility and shelter, please submit our online
inquiry below or contact us via telephone/e-mail.
Click here for online
enquiry
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