By: Julius Konton
In a major step toward enhancing the judicial response to gender-based violence in Liberia, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), with support from the Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY), conducted a one-day intensive training for 21 magistrates and judges on the effective application of the Domestic Violence Act of 2019.
Held at the Corina Hotel in Sinkor, Monrovia, the workshop titled “Survivor-Centered Rehabilitation, Prevention and Justice in Liberia” focused on strengthening the capacity of Liberia’s judiciary to handle cases of domestic and sexual violence with greater legal clarity and survivor sensitivity.
In her opening remarks, AFELL President Cllr. Philomena T. Williams underscored the pivotal role of judicial officers in upholding the law and safeguarding the rights of survivors.
“Your Honors, you definitely play a key role in responding to gender-based violence,” she stated, urging the judiciary to view the Domestic Violence Act not just as legislation, but as a tool to provide meaningful relief, support, and protection for victims.
AFELL officials revealed that Domestic Violence and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remain the most frequently reported complaints at its Legal Aid Clinic.
Among the distinguished speakers was His Honor Justice Phillip A. Z. Banks, III, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, who led a deep-dive session on the practical application of the Domestic Violence Act in magisterial court proceedings.
Justice Banks highlighted the critical lack of legal resources as a significant barrier to informed decision-making among judges.
“They are not supplying our judges with legal materials to enable them to make decisions from an informed perspective,” he noted.
In a bid to address this challenge, Justice Banks pledged to provide participating judges and magistrates with legal texts and materials to support future rulings, a commitment that was met with appreciation from attendees.
The workshop is part of AFELL’s broader initiative to provide continuous legal education for the judiciary, a program that has already begun to improve court responses to gender-based violence across Liberia.
Also presenting were former Associate Justice Felicia Coleman, who discussed the judiciary’s role in reducing domestic violence, and Atty. Mmonbeydo Joah, representing Montserrado County Attorney Cllr. Richard Scott, who spoke on the impact of domestic violence on women and children.
Each session included interactive Q&A segments, fostering candid exchanges between legal experts and judicial officers.
AFELL emphasized that beyond legal impartiality, judges must demonstrate a deeper understanding of abuse dynamics to ensure fair and compassionate rulings.
“This training is intended to enhance your professional skills and competence, enlighten your minds, and improve your application of the law to bring relief to victims and survivors,” said Atty. Williams.
Partner organizations, including the Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) and the Liberia Association of Psychosocial Services (LAPS), highlighted the need for a holistic approach to addressing gender-based violence, combining legal, medical, and psychosocial services to comprehensively support survivors.
AFELL also acknowledged its international partner, DIGNITY, The Danish Institute Against Torture, for funding the training and supporting its mission of legal empowerment and survivor justice.
In her closing statement, Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley, AFELL’s 1st Vice President, praised the judiciary for its engagement and urged participants to apply what they had learned with compassion and diligence.
“You are key to fighting human rights violations. You are critical to Liberia’s justice system,” she said.
Founded as a non-profit, non-governmental organization, AFELL operates through two main pillars: a Legal Aid Clinic that offers free legal services to vulnerable populations, and a specialized SGBV Unit that leads national advocacy, litigation, and policy reform on gender-based violence.
The organization is composed exclusively of Liberia’s female legal professionals judges, lawyers, and legal practitioners who volunteer their expertise to promote justice and human rights.
AFELL has played a pivotal role in legal reforms, including the passage of the Domestic Violence Act, advancements in inheritance laws, and increased political representation for women. Its grassroots legal clinics and impact litigation efforts have made the justice system more accessible to Liberia’s most marginalized communities.
As Liberia continues to grapple with high rates of domestic and sexual violence, initiatives like AFELL’s judicial training offer a powerful model for institutional reform, one that prioritizes survivor-centered justice, legal education, and multi-sectoral collaboration.
With the continued support of partners like DIGNITY and a committed bench of legal professionals, Liberia moves one step closer to a more just and equitable system for all.
