03/06/2026
Domestic violence is not just a legal issue. It is a human crisis that continues to affect families, communities, and lives across South Africa every day.
On 27 May 2026, at Bertha House , our first cohort of Community Paralegals for 2026 had the privilege of learning from Advocate Deon Ruiters and former Magistrate Pritima Osman, following connections forged at the Emeris Family Law Gathering.
The session went beyond legislation and court processes. It explored the socio-psychological realities of domestic violence, the barriers survivors face when seeking help, and the responsibility of those responding to these matters to do so with empathy, dignity, and care. Participants also engaged deeply with the legal protections and remedies available to survivors, equipping them with the knowledge needed to guide community members towards safety and justice.
In a country where domestic violence remains a devastating and pervasive scourge, empowering community paralegals with these skills is critical. When those closest to the community understand both the human impact and the legal framework, they become a vital line of support for those who are often most vulnerable and least able to access justice.
The session was made even more powerful by the presence of guest attendees and colleagues connected through the Emeris Family Law Gathering, creating a rare and inspiring learning environment where community paralegals, attorneys, and former judicial officers learned alongside one another in pursuit of a shared goal: a society where protection, dignity, and justice are accessible to all.
