The Center for Justice and Accountability won the leading case in the United States that defined the systematic use of rape as a form of torture. CJA seeks to build the law to deter rape and violence.
Millions of women and girls suffer disproportionately from violence both in peace and in war, at the hands of the state, in their homes and communities. Across the globe, women are beaten, raped, mutilated, and killed with impunity.
The social stigma that results from these horrific acts often prevents prosecution for these crimes. Our clients and their stories reshape the narrative around these crimes, and bring perpetrators to justice.
For example, in our landmark case Doe v. Constant, CJA represented three Haitian women who faced violence at the hands of a former death squad leader. This case – in which the judge ordered the perpetrator to pay $19 million in damages – was an important step for accountability for sexual and gender-based violence.
We hope that this case and other CJA cases will provide an outlet for victims of sexual violence to come forward, finally tell their stories, and hold perpetrators accountable.
