The formal justice sector, consisting of the state government and its judicial officials, including judges, prosecutors, and court administrators, is charged with providing a fair and effective judicial response to acts of violence against women and girls. An effective judicial response prioritizes victim safety and offender accountability. It includes the opportunity to access redress for violence in a timely manner, the avoidance of re-victimization, and the enforcement of legal remedies, including appropriate sanctions and/or punishment for perpetrators. Main strategies to improve access to justice in the formal sector for women and girl survivors of violence are:
- Reform Discriminatory Laws
- Improve Response to Survivors
- Provide Training & Capacity Development
- Promote Rights-Based Education & Awareness
- Perform Regular Monitoring & Evaluation
Another important component of justice sector reform related to violence against women is collaboration amongst stakeholders and across sectors. This type of collaboration is known as a coordinated community response (CCR) to violence against women. Where coordinated responses do not exist, at a minimum, referral mechanisms should be in place. More information about a coordinated community response can be found on the CCR Section of this website.