JSMP Training In The Districts Of Timor Leste 2005

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Available on line at: http://www.jsmp.minihub.org/Reports/2006/Training%20Report%202005%20(e).pdf

JSMP conducted trainings in 12 districts of Timor Leste on human rights, the law and the legal process, with a focus on cases of gender-based violence. The participants included members of the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL), particularly the Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU), village heads, women’s groups such as OPMT and OMT and, youth groups and students. Across the 12 districts, 423 people participated.

JSMP decided to give this training because many cases of sexual violence and domestic violence are being resolved through traditional mechanisms by community leaders or the family. Many people in Timor-Leste do not understand the formal legal process or that domestic violence and rape cases are crimes and should be resolved in accordance with formal legal procedures.

The aims of the training were to:

• Increase participants’ knowledge of human rights, especially women’s and children’s rights, the legal process and the law of sexual and domestic violence;

• Enable participants to identify crimes of sexual violence and domestic violence; and

• Increase participants’ knowledge of how to assist victims of crimes.

Each training ran for two days and was carried out by JSMP staff. Both informative and interactive methods were used. The participants were generally attentive and enthusiastic in discussion and asking questions, which provided an insight into participant’s knowledge and attitudes on the topics of training.

JSMP carried out an evaluation to measure the success of training and to generate ideas for improving the program. The evaluation was three-fold: an evaluation form on participants’ experiences, a questionnaire to identify whether the information was being understood and an internal evaluation workshop.

Overall the training was rated highly by participants and trainers and participant knowledge increased across all areas that were the aims of this report. JSMP recommends that:

1. This training should be continued, not only at the district level but also at the sub-district and village levels.

2. To maximise the trainings effectiveness, use more interactive methods like games or simulations.

3. Simplify materials as much as possible in the use of language and format, such as use comics or pictures and remove legal jargon.

4. Reduce the amount of material or increase the time.

5. Target the materials to particular groups and give opportunities for those from similar backgrounds to work together. In particular

separate women from men so that they feel more confident to discuss their ideas.

END