21 Survivors of SGBV receives free legal aid support

The free legal aid support services provided by Dream Africa in the Northern and Volta regions of Ghana have had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of SGBV survivors and women accused of witchcraft. By enhancing access to justice, empowering women, raising community awareness, and strengthening local support systems, the project has contributed to the reduction of SGBV and harmful practices in these regions.

Over the years, Dream Africa has provided free legal aid support services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and vulnerable women accused of witchcraft in the Northern and Volta Regions of Ghana. The project provided free legal representation to over 28 SGBV survivors and women accused of witchcraft. Of these cases, 21 resulted in convictions, setting important legal precedents in the fight against SGBV and witchcraft accusations.

The project conducted 40 community outreach programs, reaching over 6,000 people in the Northern and Volta regions. These programs raised awareness about the legal rights of women and the dangers of SGBV and witchcraft accusations.

The project trained 40 community paralegals, who now serve as the first point of contact for legal support in their communities. These paralegals have been instrumental in identifying cases, providing initial advice, and ensuring that survivors are connected with our legal team. The presence of these trained individuals within communities has created a sustainable support network, ensuring that the impact of the project continues beyond its duration.

The positive changes observed are a testament to the effectiveness of combining legal aid with community engagement and capacity building, offering a model that can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges.