asset. The experience of other countries has shown that effective responses to domestic violence include many sectors of society, not only legal professionals.
B. The Trainers
The trainers who have participated in the Social Advocates program are Russian lawyers, law professors and judges who are experts in particular areas of Russian law or who have extensive experience working on the issue of domestic violence. The training course emphasizes the importance of using an interactive technique, and so the trainers employ a number of teaching styles, including short lectures, discussions, role-play exercises and simulated writing exercises. The trainers use sample hypothetical domestic violence scenarios, often based on real cases seen by crisis centers. In addition, each trainer prepares written materials that are given to the participants as a supplement to the course. When used, sample exercises and handouts are included as appendices to the specific section.
It is important that the Social Advocates trainers have a high level of knowledge about their field and also the necessary skills to adapt theoretical information to more accessible teaching methods.
The majority of this manual consists of chapters written by the trainers on a particular subject, giving an outline of how they prepare to teach the information, as well as the goals and methods used in each course. Each chapter concludes with a list of resources, suggested by the trainer.
C. The Training Course
As mentioned above, the entire Social Advocates training course lasts six months, with participants meeting for two day-long courses each month. In the past, the courses were held in Moscow, a location chosen for its accessibility to the participants and trainers. Depending on the availability of participants and trainers, the course could easily be shortened or expanded to fit local needs. Two sample agendas are included in Section III, Annex B.
The Social Advocates training consists of approximately thirteen study blocks covering both fundamental aspects of Russian law that the advocates will most likely encounter in their work with victims of violence and an introduction to legal skills, generally pre-trial skills and legal writing. The training course addresses the following substantive and procedural topics: domestic violence, constitutional law, civil law and civil procedure, criminal law and criminal procedure, family law, labor law, housing law, administrative law and international human rights law. Each of the trainer’s sections contained in this manual begins with the specific goals and activities for the course. The course sections also include sample plans, proposed issues to be addressed and an outline of the content of each course. While the substance-area sections of this manual address concrete points of Russian law, the intention is for the text to be general enough to serve as a model or roadmap. Other topics and laws can be taught using the methods outlined by the trainers.
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