Court Advocate Programme

The Court Advocate Programme was established in 1994 to assist women in obtaining protection from abuse through the court system. Clients are able to seek advice on a variety of related problems such as harassment, stalking, child support and other related issues.

This programme is unique and instrumental to Bermuda by providing an avenue for women and families seeking advice on legal issues who cannot afford lawyers fees, or qualify for legal aid. We are able to assist the client by providing the answer to their questions, help the client clarify the issues and make choices in a friendly, empowering environment. Through this programme the client, and indeed the community as a whole, is being provided with an avenue to have their legal and general concerns met and referred to the appropriate agency.

The Court Advocate Programe is involved with training of police officers and recruits by providing information on domestic violence and our role in the community.

Clients are charged a minimum fee to cover administrative and court costs.

General Advice: $30.00
Summary Offence Letters: $75.00
Protection Orders: $250.00
Plus additional costs for court time

The Women's Resource Centre sees and advises clients regardless of whether they can afford to pay.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAMME PROVIDE?

  • Assistance for victims in obtaining protection orders and summary of offence letters
  • Preparation for court appearances
  • Police training to ensure that officers respond to physical and sexual assaults in a knowledgeable and sensitive manner
  • Educate the community on the issues of sexual and domestic violence
  • Lobbying
  • Review of legislation and criminal justice policies and procedures to increase prosecution of perpetrators and to improve protection of victim.

WHAT IS A SUMMARY OFFENCE LETTER?

This is a letter written under section 19(d) of the Summary Offences Act 1926 which usually calls upon the addressee not to trespass again on the complainant's property, but formally puts the addressee on notice that any further act of trespass can lead to his/her prosecution.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A PROTECTION ORDER?

Any one who is in a "domestic relationship" with the respondent. Domestic relationship o\is defined under the Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act 1997 to include:

  1. a partner
  2. family member
  3. person who ordinarily shares a household with the respondent