AEquitas - Champions for Justice

About Us

AEquitas' (|'ekwitäs|; EH-qui-tahs) mission is to improve access to and the quality of justice in gender-based violence and human trafficking cases through an informed, practical, and innovative approach.

Values

Credibility

Former prosecutors and subject matter experts with decades of experience

Candor

Expert analysis of policy, law, and practice

Clarity

Straightforward and practical resources that promote best practices

Compassion

Consideration of our impact on individuals and our community throughout the decision making process

Commitment

Unwavering dedication to just and fair application of the law

Approach

Victim-Centered

We develop and promote innovative strategies that inspire a paradigm shift from victim-blaming to victim-centered. We also consider the impact the criminal justice process has on victims, their families, and their communities. Ultimately, we strive to achieve case outcomes that hold offenders accountable while taking victims' experiences and perspectives into account.

Offender-Focused

We challenge prosecutors and allied professionals to develop and employ offender-focused strategies driven by accurate and unbiased case analyses and thorough understanding of applicable law. Offenders intentionally target victims whom they believe they can assault, smear, and intimidate. Our approach ensures the protection of victims' rights while focusing on the offenders' actions, behaviors, characteristics, and intent.

Collaborative

We work jointly with line-level prosecutors and allied professionals to evaluate and refine our resources and curricula to respond to emerging issues and promote promising practices. Our partnerships help systems work collaboratively to provide a coordinated response, allowing more victims to access services and participate in the process, and more offenders to be held accountable – improving safety for communities and victims.

History

"But justice, though due the accused, is due the accuser also. The concept of fairness must not be strained till it is narrowed to a filament. We are to keep the balance true."

Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo, Snyder v. Massachusetts, 291 U.S. 97 (1934).

Named after the Roman goddess of equity and fairness, AEquitas was established to support prosecutors in their individual and collective efforts to achieve justice in gender-based violence and human trafficking cases. Among others, Alex Busansky, Cindy Dyer, Denise Gamache, the late Lorraine W. Gentile, Jan Langbein, Joyce Lukima, Delilah Rumburg, and the late Teresa Scalzo - a prosecutor, mentor, and true champion for justice - were all instrumental in the founding of AEquitas.

Since 2009, AEquitas and its staff, comprised primarily of former prosecutors, have worked closely with governmental and nongovernmental agencies to promote a contextual, rather than uniform, approach to the pursuit of justice for victims around the world. By promoting a deeper and more meaningful understanding of these cases, AEquitas and its network are dedicated to increasing successful prosecutions and ultimately preventing future acts of violence.

Justice for Victims

We're dedicated to developing and refining best practices in the effective prosecution of crimes against some of the most vulnerable members of society. Our efforts in these areas strive to hold offenders accountable and promote victim safety.