Making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by gender-based violence. Together, we are stronger.
WELCOME TO THE ACTION SOCIETY LAW CLINIC
The Action Society Law Clinic is a pioneering initiative dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to victims of gender-based violence. With your support, we are creating a safer society for everyone.
OUR MISSION
To combat gender-based violence through effective legal assistance, empowering survivors, and advocating for a just and equitable society.
OUR SERVICES
Legal Representation
Our team of dedicated legal professionals is committed to providing superior legal representation to survivors of gender-based violence.
Legal Education
We believe in empowering individuals through knowledge. Our legal education initiatives aim to enlighten the public on their rights and legal procedures.
Advocacy
The Action Society Law Clinic uses its voice to advocate for policy change and legal reform, focusing on laws and regulations that impact gender-based violence.
Violence against women and children is escalating
Q1 2023/24 (April – June 2023) crime statistics released by SAPS on 18 August 2023
Proactive Intervention: Acting Before It's Too Late
Action Society oversees where the state’s shocking failure to convict the perpetrators of violent crimes against women and children is the result of investigative neglect, forensic backlogs, and delay upon delay in courtrooms.
The primary goal of the Action Society Law Clinic is to intervene and provide vital assistance to victims of violence, ultimately striving to prevent tragic outcomes.
Siphokazi Booi
Siphokazi Booi was allegedly by her abusive boyfriend Sithobele Qebe. The 27-year-old's body parts were found stuffed in a wheeled bin and dumped near the railway line in Mbekweni in September 2021. The case is set to continue at the Paarl Regional Court in October 2023.
Chevonne Rusch
2-Year-old Chevonne had sustained 49 injuries and bruises to her little body when she was dropped off at a clinic in Germiston. She was later pronounced deceased. Her mother and her mother's fiancé face charges of murder of a minor, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and rape of a minor. The case continues.
Liezel de Jager
Liezel, 38, was murdered in her home on October 13, 2021, after returning from a morning jog. She was found strangled to death in the yard and none of her possessions, had been taken. The gate was locked and the only other people home were her husband, Werner, and their two children. No arrests have been made. Action Society has been mandated to oversee the investigation.
Alwaba Sondara
Alwaba was brutally beaten by her boyfriend, Asive Kulwane on 18 December 2021. The accused took her to the Khayelitsha hospital more than an hour away and then fled the area. Later, she was transferred to Tygerberg Hospital where she remained in a coma until she died on 12 January 2022. The case has been postponed to 25 March 2024.
Nadia Lotz
Nadia Lotz was brutally murdered in March, allegedly by her partner of 14 years, Charles Appolis. 32-year-old Nadia was in the passenger seat while her friend was driving. Appolis was seated in the back, leaned forward and slit her throat. The case is set to continue at the Strand Magistrates' court on 26 September 2023.
*Lily
The 45-year-old woman from Bonteheuwel was gang-raped by a group of men in December 2022 in a nightmarish ordeal that left her and her family deeply scarred. The case was postponed several times due to the state's failure to provide a sign language interpreter. The matter will continue on 12 October 2023 at the Parow Regional Court.
GET INVOLVED
We are seeking the support of individuals and organizations who share our commitment to combatting gender-based violence. Your donation can make a real difference in someone’s life and contribute to a safer society for all.
WE ARE COMPLIANT
Registered as a non-profit company and organization, the Action Society Law Clinic is working tirelessly towards full compliance with the Legal Practice Act, promising our stakeholders an ethical, legal, and responsible initiative dedicated to a positive societal impact.
CONTACT US
Have any questions or need assistance? Reach out to us. We’re here to help.
Join us in our fight against gender-based violence. Together, we can build a safer, more equitable society.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Our mission is to support those who have experienced gender-based violence by providing them with access to quality legal representation. However, as a non-profit organization, our resources are limited and must be allocated strategically. The following criteria are used to assess whether an individual qualifies for our assistance.
- Case Merit: The applicant must have a valid claim or defense related to an incident of gender-based violence. The case merit is determined based on the available evidence and the potential for legal redress.
- Financial Need: Our services are primarily directed towards individuals who cannot afford to hire private legal representation. To assess financial need, we consider factors such as the applicant’s income, assets, expenses, and the number of dependents they support.
- Lack of Alternative Legal Assistance: Our services are provided to those who lack access to alternative legal assistance. This can include those who are ineligible for government assistance or those who are unable to find suitable legal aid due to the specific nature of their case.
- Potential Impact: Priority is given to cases that have the potential to create a significant positive impact. This includes cases that could set legal precedents, influence policy or legislation, or raise public awareness of gender-based violence issues.
Please note that meeting all the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that we will be able to provide assistance. Case acceptance is also dependent on our current caseload and resource availability.
APPLY FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE
If you believe you meet the criteria, we encourage you to apply for assistance. Please click on the link below to fill out our application form.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need further clarification about the eligibility criteria or the application process. We’re here to help.
At the Action Society Law Clinic, we stand firmly against gender-based violence. We’re committed to empowering survivors and advocating for change.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we strive to make a meaningful impact in our community.