Since we started in 2014, we have helped over 1,000 men, women and children achieve justice. Here are just some of their stories…
Supporting Faye* as SHE faced a CHALLENGING legal problem
Too scared to tell her employer that she was pregnant, Faye gave birth alone at her employer’s home. It was not until the following day that Faye sought help and was sent to hospital where the police were called. Frightened and alone, Faye told the police that the baby was not hers and gave a false address
Faye was subsequently charged with misleading the police and investigated for child neglect. While on bail, Faye was required to make and pay for repeated visitor’s visas. EQJ provided Faye with support from a criminal lawyer and intervened with Immigration to obtain an extended visa
Securing an Identity, an Education and a chance at a future for Diann*
Fourteen-year old Diann had been pleading with her mother to be able to go to school. She was unable to because she and her mother were living illegally, undocumented and stateless in Hong Kong. Diann’s mother had overstayed her visa for 17 years. With no birth certificate and no identity, Diann was unable to access public healthcare, welfare or education in Hong Kong
We helped the family surrender to Immigration and secured a birth certificate for Diann. Diann’s mother was prosecuted for overstaying and served 11 months in prison. We supported both Diann and her mother throughout this process, ensuring the mother was legally represented and ensuring the best interests of Diann were taken into consideration. Our partner NGO, PathFinders, found a temporary home and a school place for Diann, where she is now excelling
Helping EKA* TO navigate the HONG KONG Justice System
Required to work at the home of her employer’s daughter, Eka was repeatedly raped by the daughter’s boyfriend. When she fell pregnant, Eka reported the rape to the police. Despite the boyfriend admitting that he was the baby’s father, the police were reluctant to pursue the case, asserting that Eka had been a willing partner. After a year-long investigation, the Department of Justice dropped the case
We assisted Eka to apply for Legal Aid for Paternity, Maintenance and civil damages from the boyfriend and we supported her as she launched Sex Discrimination proceedings against the former employer. Consideration is being given to a Judicial Review of the decision not to pursue the criminal case against the boyfriend
“Thank you very much. I really am very happy, very very happy. I am so thankful to the Equal Justice team and to everyone who helped me. Thank you.” ”
* All names that appear above have been anonymised. Their stories however are very real