Report 27.11.2009
Example 1 of Positive Practice
After long-term suffering from domestic violence while living together, Aina (identity changed) turned to us at the Centre Marta for help. For the last cases of violence (which were torture related) a criminal proceeding had already been initiated against the abuser and a security measure was applied to him – arrest. Lawyers of Centre Marta prepared the necessary applications for Aina within the framework of the criminal proceeding, to receive compensation from the abuser, as well as to solve issues related to exacting subsistence for providing for the child as well as for deprivation of care, custody and visitation rights. The court sentenced the accused to two years of imprisonment. The Custody Court deprived the abuser child custody rights. The Court discharged Aina’s claim for depriving the abuser custody and access rights and for exacting subsistence for the child.
Example 2 of Positive Practice
Dina (identity changed) was recruited for the purpose to transport her for sexual exploitation abroad.
Police arrested the criminals. The girl was released. For a year, Dina had to withstand interrogation, giving testimony against and confrontation with the criminals. During this period, Dina received consultations and support from Centre Marta specialists for her rights to be protected and implemented during the investigation and in court. During this year, her health worsened, as did her emotional wellbeing. The great tension negatively affected her relationship with her relatives. Dina was unable to successfully participate in school or to complete the school year with success.
Centre Marta specialists helped prepare and submit a claim to the Court for compensation from the accused for the harm done, as well as an application for receiving state compensation, which in the result was paid to Dina.
Unfortunately, at the hearing, the accused was sentenced below the statutory penalty. Dina was not satisfied that the minimal sentence was applied for such a serious crime and with the support of centre Marta specialists has submitted an appeal for the sentence to be increased.
Currently, with the help of centre Marta specialists, Dina is solving her health problems and has started meeting with a psychologist. Relationships within her family have become more stable. A new school year has begun and Dina hopes to receive formal education this year.
