Over 100 IJM Trained Judicial Advisors are Helping to Bridge Access to Justice in Peru
Violence Against Women & Children
In Peru’s most vulnerable regions, women leaders are stepping up to close the gap between justice and those who need it most through the Judicial Advisors program. This initiative, a collaboration between Peru’s Judiciary and International Justice Mission (IJM), trains local women to guide, support and accompany their neighbors through complex legal processes.
Building trust between communities and institutions
The program equips women to advocate for justice in their communities, build trust in institutions, and tackle the unique challenges affecting women and children who have experienced violence. This year alone, more than 100 women from San Martín, Madre de Dios, Cerro de Pasco, and Junín completed their training. Despite their many responsibilities, they balance their roles as mothers, workers and community leaders, an expression of their deep commitment to making justice accessible in their communities.
The 30-hour training course equips participants with knowledge on family violence, birth certificate corrections, paternity claims, and violence against women. Graduates undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure they are ready for the demanding work ahead. Beyond legal guidance, the program elevates women’s leadership in their communities, addressing the critical need for female representation in tackling gender-based violence.
In Madre de Dios, 30 women completed their training, tackling regional violence and striving to make justice accessible.
Their contributions not only benefit their neighbors but also alleviate the burden on the judiciary. Advisors streamline legal processes, ensuring cases are well-prepared and efficiently managed. This is especially crucial in cases involving vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, where timely intervention can change lives.
For IJM, the program represents an important step in building trust between communities and institutions. Alfonso Wieland, director of IJM Peru, said: “This program is crucial in areas like Cerro de Pasco, where human rights violations and environmental problems abound, and San Martin, where deforestation and rights issues prevail. By bringing justice to the most remote corners of Peru, these advisors are paving the way for lasting change.”
Bringing justice to the most remote regions of Peru
Judge Romain Viviano Valdez, a dedicated volunteer trainer for the program, explained that “These women help their communities access justice, focusing on protecting the rights of children, women, and the elderly.” Along with other judges and legal professionals, he has equipped these leaders with the tools to address some of their regions' most pressing issues.
Judge Romain Valdez leads a training session on how to protect the rights of children, women and the elderly.
While the program currently trains adult women with no criminal records, there is potential for expansion to include men as advisors in the future. For now, these women maintain close communication with the Judiciary’s Access to Justice Commission, enabling prompt action in cases involving women and children. Judge Valdez said, “This model is essential to reduce discrimination and violence, offering immediate and lasting solutions.”
This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration between Peru’s Judiciary and IJM and the resilience of women committed to justice. As these advisors graduate, they become invaluable resources in their communities, embodying hope and service. Their dedication ensures that justice reaches even the most isolated regions of Peru, transforming lives and reshaping the nation’s legal landscape.