The Haven Wolverhampton has been working with "Ekaterina" since 2000. In 2004, a training programme was delivered to Russian legal personnel, in order to raise their awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence cases. Recently, a number of changes have been made to the Russian legal structure, and cases of domestic violence are now processed by a different part of the legal system. Justices of the Peace (JPs) work on cases of domestic violence [N.B. The role of Russian JPs varies somewhat from that of magistrates in England & Wales, and is not directly equivalent]. Those legal personnel who were involved with the training project in 2004 are no longer involved in domestic violence cases, and their successors have little awareness of the issues surrounding this crime. The crisis centre “Ekaterina” put forward a proposal for the new project to develop and deliver an educational programme for the JPs and associated workers.

The three year project aims to influence the attitude, perception and opinion of the general public and professionals (JPs, lawyers, police) in responding to domestic violence cases. An essential element of this project will be educating JPs and other stakeholders to understand the issues related to domestic violence. The project aims to support women affected by domestic violence to make independent choices about whether and how to proceed with charges and cases against violations of their human rights. The project will ensure that women are supported in taking forward their cases and that the cases progress as quickly as possible to hearing.

Over the next three years of the project, JPs, lawyers, and "Ekaterina" will develop a joint response mechanism to domestic violence cases. Partnerships will be built with other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the Sverdlovsk Area in order to distribute good practice, information and training resources. The non-governmental sector of support services for women and children is at an initial stage of development in the area, and the interaction and collaboration with state agencies is very important.

NGOs in Russia do not have financial support from the government. They lack funds and the power to implement measures to prevent violence against women and children in the family. Capacity building of the crisis centre “Ekaterina” will help to increase its status and enable its voice to be heard when strategies and policies concerning human rights of women and children experiencing domestic violence are developed. “Ekaterina” aims to sign joint agreements with the law enforcement agencies to ensure speedy and effective justice and a co-ordinated support service for victims. The project established protection and justice targets which will be carefully monitored throughout its development.

The Haven Wolverhampton has been one of the first agencies to develop accredited Domestic Violence training programmes. One of the units is called “Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence through the Criminal Justice System”. The Haven has a CAADA trained Advocacy Worker and works closely with Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum, influencing domestic violence strategy and policy in Wolverhampton. This experience will allow The Haven to continue to support the valuable work of our overseas colleagues in their struggle for justice for vulnerable women and children.

Domestic violence is a criminal act which has to be dealt with accordingly. Women have the right to live without violence and there is a need to “prioritize women’s rights in judicial and non-judicial mechanisms” (Amnesty International).