LocationsThe EU-funded Support to the Justice Sector Project (JURE) is Giving Strength to Women Battling Domestic Violence
The EU-funded Support to the Justice Sector Project (JURE) is Giving Strength to Women like Madushi Battling Domestic Violence
UNDP Sri Lanka
Disclaimer: The following content includes real stories with graphic references to topics such as domestic violence.
Madushi* grew up in a large, old house with her parents. While attending the local school, she fell in love with Thilak, a Migration Officer at the Divisional Secretariat. Once she turned 18, Thilak pressured her into marriage, but Madushi had no idea of his true intention – to acquire ownership of her family’s home.
Just months after their marriage, Thilak manipulated Madushi’s parents to transfer the property into his name. Thilak then assaulted and evicted her parents and began subjecting Madushi to severe domestic violence. Forced to leave with her two children, Madushi soon discovered that Thilak was exploiting his position to obtain sexual favours from several women who sought his official help.
In desperation, with no means of support, Madushi sought help from Women In Need, a civil society organization that works directly with women who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). WIN filed a domestic violence and maintenance case on her behalf, resulting in a court order that required Thilak to pay for the children’s upkeep. A Protection Order was also granted to stop Thilak’s continued harassment, and another order was issued to prevent the sale of their family home.
However, despite the court orders, Thilak refused to leave the house. He assaulted Madushi whenever she tried to return, and continued to harass and threaten her, her parents, and her children. Following WIN’s advice, Madushi filed a police complaint, leading to Thilak’s eviction from the house. An investigation into his abuse of power as a government official was also conducted.
Madushi and her children returned to live with her parents in the house. Yet, Thilak’s threats persisted. He entered their home at night, stealing their belongings, which led to Madushi and her children seeking refuge at WIN’s shelter. Once her confidence was restored, they returned to the house.
Eager to support her family, Madushi started a small business selling watalappan, a Sri Lankan coconut custard pudding. She also secured weekend employment as a housemaid in a doctor’s home. With WIN’s counselling, legal support, and shelter assistance, Madushi has gained independence and peace of mind. Today, she lives safely with her children and parents, and is financially self-sufficient.
Madushi is one of more than 5,000 women who have benefitted from the Support to Justice Sector Project (JURE) funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by UNDP and UNICEF Sri Lanka, facilitated by the Ministry of Justice. The project, which is being carried out in close collaboration with key justice sector organizations and stakeholders, offers a comprehensive package of support to the Sri Lankan judicial system.
As a result of JURE's support, thousands of women have benefited from legal aid and counselling through Women In Need (WIN), a civil society organization that works directly with women who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Most of these women have also benefitted from shelter at one of WIN’s seven crisis centres.
The JURE initiative seeks to ensure improved access to justice for all, with a particular focus on women and individuals in vulnerable circumstances. As the world observes Women's History Month, JURE plays a pivotal role in advancing a more equitable justice system.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the individual.
