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“Mock Trials” – Helping
Victims to Become Strong Witnesses against Perpetrators
The “Mock Trial” experience helps
the victim of violence/trafficking to understand her legal situation and
eventually provide effective testimony against perpetrators in court. “Mock
Trials” also help victims understand how they would be cross examined in court
and thus contributes to making the ordeal less traumatic for them. The
strengthened attitude /testimony of the victim also contributes to a more
effective prosecution of perpetrators.
SARI/Equity had identified a good practice
entitled “Mock Trials to prepare Victims for Testimony in Court” by the
Institute of Human Rights, Sri Lanka, which was documented and circulated by
SARI/Equity for possible replication by interested organizations in the region.
Three organizations, STOP in India,
LACC in Nepal and NUS in Bangladesh, expressed interest in
replicating the practice in their own settings. SARI/Equity supported their
endeavors. All three have adapted the Sri Lankan model to suit their local
requirements and have had unexpected success in helping victims/survivors of
violence alleviate their trauma and pain and become strong witnesses.
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