Ami Sei Vítima Beibeik: Looking to the needs of domestic violence victims

Following dedicated lobbying by civil society and strong support in parliament, particularly through the women's caucus, the Law Against Domestic Violence was passed in 2010. The new legislation defines specific criminal acts as public crimes of domestic violence, with attendant procedural and reporting obligations, and clarifies the rights of victims to access various support mechanisms, including women's shelters, legal representation, medical and psychological assistance, counseling, and maintenance. The research team, comprising an Asia Foundation consultant and a staff member from Fundasaun Alola, conducted a study to assess the various enabling and constraining factors for effective implementation of the Law Against Domestic Violence on the ground from the perspective of women who have experienced domestic violence. The research aimed to analyze some of the supporting mechanisms needed to translate victims' legal rights into practical outcomes that are responsive to their social, economic, and cultural needs. Consistent data on the prevalence of domestic violence is difficult to obtain due to the different methodologies and definitions of domestic violence from various studies conducted over the past ten years, and partly due to the fact that it is not yet possible to get such data from the police, prosecutors' office, or the courts. The National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence, adopted by the Timor-Leste government in May 2012, outlines the responsibilities of different sectors of the government and the role of civil society in addressing gender-based violence through prevention, provision of services, prosecution, and coordination. The research focused on the impact of the Law Against Domestic Violence on the lives of women who have experienced domestic violence, and what more needs to be done to improve their situation. The study involved a comprehensive review of existing literature, as well as in-depth interviews with women who have experienced domestic violence, service providers, and other stakeholders. The research findings highlighted the need for greater awareness and understanding of the law among women, as well as the need for more effective support mechanisms to help women access justice and rebuild their lives. The Law Against Domestic Violence has introduced significant changes to the legal framework in Timor-Leste, including the definition of domestic violence as a public crime, the establishment of women's shelters, and the provision of legal representation and other support services to victims. However, the research findings suggest that more needs to be done to ensure that the law is effectively implemented and that women who have experienced domestic violence are able to access the support and services they need to rebuild their lives. The research team recommends that the government and civil society organizations work together to increase awareness and understanding of the law among women, as well as to improve the availability and accessibility of support services, including women's shelters, legal representation, and counseling. The team also recommends that the government establish a national database to track cases of domestic violence and monitor the effectiveness of the Law Against Domestic Violence.