Background

The Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre (TLAC) to End Violence against Women was established in 1996 to eradicate the victimization of women by the legal system, and to make the law a vehicle of social change for women.  TLAC played a key role in the development of the Domestic Violence Act, holding membership on the project committee of the South African Law Reform Commission that drafted the Bill. TLAC has undergone a range of work since its inception, including training and education, advocacy and research.

In 2005, TLAC established a legal services unit that provides information and legal advice and assistance to women who are survivors of gender based violence, including domestic violence and rape. The unit also provides legal advice on maintenance and is undertaking a programme of capacity building for non-legal NGOs to increase access to these services for poor women.

TLAC was one of the three NGOs who applied to intervene in the rape trial of former Deputy President Zuma  as an amicus ( friend of the court) to provide legal arguments and evidence that would assist the court to better understand the context of rape and its impact of survivors.

TLAC has participated as a member of the  National Working Group on Sexual Offences since the group was formed  and is  currently responsible for the national coordination and ensures  the implementation of  the workings and activities of the Group.