Since 2015, ABA ROLI staff has provided legal assistance for over 6,000 cases through several legal aid clinics in the Central African Republic (CAR). Most of these cases have involved women who experienced sexual and gender-based violence
(SGBV). The clinics are staffed by an attorney, a psychosocial
worker, and community-based paralegals, all of whom guide community members
with legal and mental health assistance. Additionally, they serve as a key source of justice and dispute resolution services for conflict-affected communities in CAR.
 |
| ABA ROLI psychosocial workers participate in a role play session during the training |
The pursuit of justice in CAR is complex. Prospects for
holding perpetrators accountable is influenced by an attorneys’ and
psychosocial workers’ ability to sustain a client’s interest in their case, by
the client’s confidence that justice can be achieved, and by the client’s continued
ability to participate in the criminal justice process. ABA ROLI psychosocial workers and attorneys are exposed to the traumatic life experiences of clients through their work. Some of these experiences may include incidents of sexual violence from the height of the conflict between 2012-2014, to more recent crimes committed by members of armed groups in CAR. Staff members of the four clinics also assist clients with domestic disputes such as custody battles and property theft. The support that the psychosocial workers and attorneys provide is critical, but residual exposure to these serious incidents places them at risk of second-hand trauma, which can negatively impact their own mental health and their capacity to effectively assist clients.
 |
| Training participants break into group work with guidance from the trainer (standing). |
Responding to these needs, in April
2019, ABA ROLI collaborated with Dr. Pierrette Sivita Kasonia, a psychologist and
former psychosocial worker with ABA ROLI in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo (DRC), to provide training support to ABA ROLI’s CAR staff. Dr. Pierrette
conducted a 6-day training for CAR staff on advanced approaches for managing
SGBV cases and coping mechanisms for second-hand trauma.
Dr. Pierrette led the participants through group
conversations, role play scenarios, and discussions on various case studies. Each activity allocated time for participants' questions and comments after each session. To build their
ability to manage second-hand trauma, participants were informed of causes and
symptoms of traumatic stress, as well as how personal history, age, individual support
systems, cultural context, and biological factors influence reactions to stress.
Dr. Pierrette emphasized the importance of reducing stress outside of work (to
the extent possible in the CAR context) and setting boundaries with clients.
She also discussed coping mechanisms like journaling and physical activity, and
demonstrated breathing techniques and exercises to relax their muscles.
 |
| A training participant presents her approach to a case study. |
Participants also received training on handling sensitive
cases and issues of confidentiality, helping clients build resilience, and recognizing
symptoms of traumatic stress in children and infants. The training placed
particular emphasis on preparing clients to testify in court and debriefing
with them following court appearances. Criminal investigations and court hearings
can often be re-traumatizing, and while victim participation in these processes
can be key to holding perpetrators accountable, it must be balanced with respect to the client's well-being. With these considerations in
mind, ABA ROLI ensures that psychosocial support to clinic clients and staff remains an integral part of
the legal aid clinic’s holistic approach to building access to justice in CAR.
Comments
Post a Comment