LAC Reports 90% of Client Requests Relate to Divorce Matters

Kington, Jamaica.  The Legal Aid Council (LAC), an agency of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MJCA), has reported that 90 per cent of legal requests received from members of the public are for a divorce, many of which are linked to experiences of abuse.

The disclosure was made by Executive Director of the Legal Aid Council, Mrs. Dian Watson, during her opening remarks at the First Responders Training in Understanding Gender-Based Violence, held on January 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel. The training was hosted through a partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES) and the MJCA.

According to Mrs. Watson, the Council’s attorneys regularly provide legal consultations on the mobile justice units that operate island-wide, as well as via virtual consultations. “Most people who seek consultations from the LAC come to us about divorce. Very often, when they first approach us, they do not immediately disclose that domestic violence is the underlying issue. It is only after trust is established that these experiences are shared,” explained Mrs Watson.

The First Responders Training session targeted forty (40) empaneled Legal Aid attorneys and justice sector personnel. It focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of the legislative framework addressing gender-based violence, The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) response to domestic violence, and strategies for preventing and eliminating gender-based violence in Jamaica.

 “Gender based violence remains a critical challenge within our society, impacting individuals, families and communities in profound ways. Addressing it requires not only legal knowledge, but also sensitivity, awareness and a coordinated response across the justice system. Today’s forum provides an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of these issues and to strengthen our collective capacity to respond effectively and compassionately,” stated Mrs Watson in underscoring the need for a co-ordinated response across the justice system.

The First Responder’s Training organized by the Bureau of Gender Affairs, forms part of its ongoing efforts to enhance first responders’ understanding of gender-based violence and referral pathways, while equipping participants with the skills needed to effectively support victims and survivors.