With a Groundbreaking 49 Convictions in 2024, PROBOS is Changing Access to Justice in Bolivia
Violence Against Women & Children
Getting justice for survivors of sexual violence in Bolivia is not easy. Legal processes can take years, the judicial system is full of obstacles, and impunity is still a major issue. But in 2024, IJM Bolivia’s PROBOS project accomplished something remarkable: 49 convictions. How did they do it? The answer lies in their dedicated team, their unique approach, and their deep commitment to justice.
PROBOS stands for “Bolivian Professional for Service,” which describes exactly what they do: bring IJM’s mission to life. They strengthen the justice system, help survivors recover from trauma and make sure offenders face the consequences for their actions. Each team member is called a PROBO, short for “Professional for Ethical Service.”
Their strategy is to form interdisciplinary teams that integrate legal, psychological and social support. This ensures that survivors of sexual violence receive comprehensive assistance at every stage, from the courtroom to regaining control of their lives.
A team that goes beyond legal work
Miriam Chura, a lawyer and IJM’s partner relations leader, explains that PROBOS is not just about legal support. “We focus on the emotional and social recovery of survivors too. Each team member has a specific role to make sure the process is efficient, and survivors never feel alone,” she says.
Verónica Mamani, a PROBOS mentor in La Paz, highlights the importance of mentors in the team. “Many new lawyers do not have experience with sexual violence cases, so they need constant guidance. As mentors, we help them navigate the legal system and overcome challenges,” she explains. This structured mentorship ensures that cases are handled with precision, contributing significantly to successful convictions.
Another critical part of their work is staying connected with survivors’ families. While the legal team does not directly interact with survivors, psychologists and social workers do. They identify needs, hold workshops, and help rebuild family relationships. “Our support does not stop after the conviction. We want survivors to heal, rebuild their lives, and even become community leaders,” says Mamani.
Justice as a path to freedom and healing
One case that stands out for Mamani is that of a woman who endured years of sexual abuse and harassment before finally getting justice. At 28, she worked at a fast-food restaurant where a coworker drugged and assaulted her after a party. She woke up in a taxi, confused and bruised. Later, the attacker mocked her and revealed what had happened. She later gave birth to a son, now 10 years old.
For years, the aggressor harassed her, insisting on claiming parental rights. Finally, she decided to report him. The process was long and difficult; evidence was lost, and legal obstacles kept coming up. But with PROBOS’s support, the case ended in a conviction. “That decision changed her life. She was able to escape the aggressor, protect her son, and start over,” Mamani says.
This is just one example of how IJM, through PROBOS, is transforming lives. They take each survivor’s unique situation into account, guiding them through the complex legal system while offering emotional support. The road to justice can take years, but for many, it’s the path to freedom and healing.
What drives the PROBOS team?
PROBOS team members do not do this work just for a paycheck. They have personal reasons for defending women, girls, and adolescents. “They live to serve those who need it most,” says one team member. Others say they do it for their families, for justice, or to make sure no one else goes through what they did.
In Bolivia, one in two women and four in ten adolescents experience physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.
The impact of PROBOS' work is clear in every conviction. In 2024, they achieved a record breaking 49 convictions. These are not just legal victories, they represent hope for countless others seeking safety and justice.
The future of PROBOS
IJM Bolivia has played a key role in tracking and supporting these cases, but the goal is for PROBOS to operate independently. Right now, they are working with the Ministry of Justice to integrate their model into the Access to Justice System (SAJ).
“The Ministry has a similar system, but it does not work due to a lack of clear methodology. We have shown them how PROBOS achieved all these victories in one year and why having mentors is crucial,” Chura explains.
“We want this effort to reach more survivors and ensure they get real justice. The key is to have well-trained teams and a system that does not get stuck in delays,” concludes Mamani.
Through PROBOS, IJM continues to work tirelessly to achieve legal justice when it seems unattainable, to break the cycle of violence, and to empower healing in their community. For survivors of violence, these efforts are worth it. Through perseverance, compassion, and dedication to its mission, PROBOS is changing lives.
