Magistrates and prosecutors training took place on 7^th May 2014. Out of 39 Magistrates and 20 prosecutors invited to the workshop, 35 Magistrates and 20 prosecutors attended the workshop.

The open discussions after presentations created an opportunity for the participants to share ideas, ask questions and discuss possible solutions to challenges that victims of sexual abuse currently experience especially in regards to the process of making sure justice is done.

Dr. Kennedy (OSC) and Tandu Zimba (FOL), presented on the medical discourse of processing a victim of sexual abuse and the psychological implications to a sexual abuse case.

It is depressing  and unfortunate that some magistrates dismiss rape cases or pass short sentences to the perpetrators because they take the case lightly, some have even expressed that “rape is not a crime” or that the “victims also felt good when being raped.” Having insensitive magistrates makes it tough for victims to even push a case further to court because they have seen or heard such cases where magistrates dismiss rape cases.

After the workshop the Blantyre Resident Magistrate, His Worship Ligowe who was our contact person at the magistrates office commented on what a positive impact the workshop has been and how magistrates after the workshop discussed of certain cases that they said need to be reviewed because now they have information that they did not have when they made judgments.

Thanks to all FOL volunteers who made themselves available and to Dr Kennedy to make this first-of-

Its-kind event a success.