Contributed by: Gabrijela Mihova, Macedonia National VAW Monitor

Various forms of violence to which women are exposed within their families are rendering women vulnerable and weak to fight, and ask for protection of their basic rights. Additionally, the inefficient social and legal prevention systems, corruption, and non-flexible courts’ system are just some of the negative elements disempowering their position in the society.

Striving to increase the level of legal literacy and promote the position of women within the frames of the legal system, ESE established the Legal Aid Centre, aimed at providing free-of-charge legal and psycho-social services for victims of domestic violence.

The pro bono legal concept in this regard is crucial, especially if we take into consideration that financial dependence is one of the dominant factors that influences the women to stay in a violent relationship. 

More than 1,300 women victims of domestic violence were encouraged to deal with the violent atmosphere in the family within the framework the work of the ESE’s Legal Aid Center in Skopje and two Local Legal Aid centers in Stip and Tetovo.  

The aim of the LAC is to provide free legal aid and psychosocial support and assistance, and also protection to women without discrimination based on nationality, religion and age. Legal Aid involves legal advice, preparation and completion of legal documents, representation before court, while psycho-social support and assistance includes emotional support with psycho-social counselling. Therefore, Legal Aid Centre (LAC) in Skopje was established in June 2002, with clear aim to empower the position of women in the legal system in Republic of Macedonia. Since that time, the pro bono concept has been established in Macedonia. LAC is recognizable as a unique service for support and free representation for victims of domestic violence in front of the court. Ninety percent of clients in Legal Aid centers has been referred from the Center for Social Welfare.       

Domain works of LAC include: marriage relation/divorce cases, alimony, criminal protection, social assistance (advice and instruction) and psychosocial support and assistance and referrals to the relevant institution.                           

Three attorneys, a social worker and psychologist (members of the expert team) have been involved in the functioning of LAC.  Determining which clients will be taken on a pro bono representation basis is on the monthly meeting. Priorities on this list include clients with low incomes or without income.     

According to the practice of work, the LAC is functioning every workday.   For more information click on the attachment below.