The Center for the Protection of Constitutional Rights – Everyday Heroes

CPCR lawyer provides consultations

The Center is staffed by experienced lawyers who have been trained by the under the project for a number of years on various matters, including domestic violence legal issues. The Center's Executive Director overseeing the work of the attorneys is a co-author of the domestic violence manual for lawyers produced with USAID funding.

In 2008 the center provided 1,318 legal consultations, both in person and through a telephone hotline. Approximately 85% of all CPCR clients are in Tbilisi, 14% in Gori and the remainder in Telavi. CPCR also represented over 100 clients in court.  Many of CPCR's cases seek protective orders for their clients.

One such case involves an elderly man, G.K., who was a victim of domestic violence. After the death of his son, he endured four years of constant physical and verbal abuse from his daughter-in-law. Unable to fight the violence and stop the abuse himself, G.K. approached CPCR for help.  A CPRC lawyer explained the provisions of the domestic violence law, prepared a statement and helped G.K. secure a protective order through the Tbilisi City Court. After two days, the court issued a protective order.  G.K. says CPCR saved his life. "I never thought that there were people in this country who could help me out of this nightmare," he adds.

Project director Garry Ledbetter explains that G.K.'s case is a common one at CPCR.  "CPCR attorneys see this type of case everyday," says Mr. Ledbetter. "Advocating on behalf of clients that feel powerless against their abuser and the system is a difficult, but important task," he adds.  To him the CPCR lawyers are Georgia's everyday heroes.