KAFA launches handbook on VAW law implementation

One year after the passing of the VAW law, KAFA launched a legal handbook entitled: ‘challenges of enactment of Law 293’, which summarizes debates with a large number of judges who pronounced during 2014 a series of women protection related legal decisions (Relate to the news on 1st of April, 2015). The guide, which outlines the effective mechanism to apply the law, is part of a UNFPA-supported project, was launched during a seminar at the Beirut Bar Association headquarters in Beirut, held in cooperation with the BBA family unit. The event was sponsored by BBA President, George Jreij, and was attended by a number of judges as well as representatives of civil society organizations and the Internal Security Forces. The Interim Relief Judge in Beirut, Jad Maaluf, and Appellate Lawyer assigned to look into domestic violence complaints in the capital, Judge Maya Kanaan, shared their experiences regarding the implementation of the VAW law. Kanaan stressed the importance of respecting the freedom of the plaintiff party to choose their expert reference for protection, pointing to challenges and gaps. For her part, KAFA representative, Lawyer Leila Awada outlined the objectives of the handbook and gave a synopsis of its basic features. Besides, a short film entitled ‘by the law’ was shown.  The film is based on true stories of women who were subjected to violence and resorted to law. (Al Mustaqbal, 2 April 2015)