Avon convenes 22nd Justice Institute on gender-based violence in Ecuador

Last week, the Avon Foundation for Women convened its 22nd Justice Institute in Ecuador as part of its global programme to help end violence against women and girls.  In partnership with Vital Voices and the U.S. State Department, the three-day summit focussed on improving the effectiveness of interventions and support for victims of violence.

Ecuador became the 13th country to benefit from this innovative training programme which brings together professionals at the front line of tackling gender-based violence including police, prosecutors, judges, social workers and charities. Together these parties consider the legal and practical issues in better helping victims. This includes enhancing how they interact to make the processes as effective as possible, so harmful situations are identified, reported, perpetrators prosecuted and women able to move forward with the best possible support.

Since 2014 The Avon Foundation for Women has funded 22 Justice Institute events in 13 countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines, Romania, South Africa, the United Kingdom and now, Ecuador.

"We have learned that although each country faces different challenges, Justice Institute participants around the world report a common barrier: existing laws are not understandable or applied in a coherent way, so women are left without protection, and abusers without accountability," says Christine Jaworsky, Director, Avon Foundation for Women. "While we have a lot of work ahead, what these Institutes have already achieved is inspiring and making a real practical difference to women affected.”