Universal-Womens-accesss-to-justice-Publications-Practitioners-Guide-Series-2016-ENG

162 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE No. 12
Availability of appropriately tailored services that
address the specific needs of vulnerable persons,
including child victims; and
Availability of services do not depend on a woman’s
willingness to pursue judicial proceedings against any
perpetrators of violence. 432
One important initiative, which has been replicated in many
countries, is the concept of the “one-stop shop”: an institution,
often based in a health centre, which provides a variety of
important services for women. Such institutions include the
provision of medical care for immediate injuries; access to
emergency contraception and HIV prophylaxis in cases of rape;
medico-legal evidence gathering and reporting; counselling;
referrals to other service provision, for example shelters in
cases of domestic violence; and assistance with making reports
to the police.
The CEDAW Committee has endorsed the role of “one-stop
centres”. In order to reduce the number of steps that a woman
must undertake before she can access justice, such centres
should be accessible to all women regardless of financial
circumstances or geographical location. The Committee has
therefore called for States parties to establish such centres,
which “could provide legal advice and aid, start the legal
proceedings and coordinate support services for women across
such areas as violence against women, family matters, health,
social security, employment, property and immigration”. 433
Women often find it difficult to access justice because of
burdens of work for payment, lack of transport, and
shouldering the burdens of child-care and taking care of the
family and the home. The CEDAW Committee has therefore
called on States to “ensure access to financial aid, crisis
432
Ibid, Articles 18(3) and (4).
433
CEDAW General Recommendation No 33, above note 383,
paragraph 17(f).