Research glossary

: an arrangement for the court
hearing to take place at a later time

court cases do not always happen on the dates set aside. They may be postponed by the magistrate.
Postponements may be requested when witnesses are sick, or do not arrive at court, or because the accused is
unrepresented and needs to fi nd a lawyer.

is understood as the capacity to make decisions. All relationships
are affected by the exercise of power. When power is used to make
decisions regarding one’s own life, it becomes an affirmation of
self-acceptance and self-respect that, in turn, fosters respect and
acceptance of others as equals. When used to dominate, power
imposes obligations on, restricts, prohibits and makes decisions about
the lives of other

In its simplest sense, power entails the capacity of an individual (or group) to influence the behaviour of others, even against opposition or resistance. [1] As a social relation, this capacity may be exercised through many different forms, such as authority, coercion, status, the control over resources, or through the leverage afforded by social institutions, policies, norms, ideologies, etc. As a result, power imbalances may occur at the level of individual interactions (such as between intimate partners), and/or as a direct result of “historic, social, economic, and political events.

Depending on the degree of mutuality and consensus (or, on the other hand, manipulation or coercion) within a given context, power may be seen as a more or less productive or destructive force, capable of both realizing and repressing the interests of individuals or groups. Advocates for gender equity and social justice aim to empower individuals and communities by seeking to replace existing power imbalances with power relations that are based on fairness, consent, and mutual respect

Prejudice means literally to pre-judge. Prejudice encompasses positive or negative attitudes toward a person or group, formed without just grounds or sufficient knowledge, which will not be likely to change in spite of new evidence or contrary arguments. Frequently prejudices are not recognized as false or unsound assumptions or stereotypes, and, through repetition, become accepted as common sense notions. When backed with power, prejudice results in acts of discrimination and oppression against groups or individuals.

Approaches and activities to prevent the likelihood of a health-related state or event impacting individuals and communities. There are several types of prevention, which include Primordial, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary.

Primordial Prevention: Prevention of risk factors, beginning with change in social and environmental conditions in which these factors are observed to develop

Primary Prevention: Prevention of disease or injury before it occurs. Occurs by preventing exposures to hazards that cause disease or injury, altering unhealthy or unsafe behaviours that can lead to disease or injury, and increasing resistance to disease or injury should exposure occur.

Secondary Prevention: Secondary prevention aims to reduce the impact of a disease or injury that has already occurred. This is done by detecting and treating disease or injury as soon as possible to halt or slow its progress, encouraging personal strategies to prevent re-injury or recurrence, and implementing programs to return people to their original health and function to prevent long-term problems.

Tertiary Prevention: Tertiary prevention aims to soften the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. This is done by helping people manage long-term, often-complex health problems and injuries (e.g. chronic diseases, permanent impairments) in order to improve as much as possible their ability to function, their quality of life and their life expectancy.

refers to evidence of the allegations that, on face value, appears to be enough to convict

having sex with many partners
Protection order: a document issued by the court
which prevents the rapist from contacting or
approaching you in any way

The act of engaging in sexual intercourse or performing other sex acts in exchange for money or other
considerations (e.g., food, clothing shelter, affection, etc.) (Estes and Weiner, 2001). “Forced Prostitution” is an
expression used in the case of controlling and forcing a person to engage in a sexual activity (UNHCR, 1994).

Use of words or actions to control or frighten a family member or intimate partner, or to lower their self-respect and self-esteem. It includes, but is not limited to insults, belittling, constant humiliation, intimidation, threats to harm, threats to take away children, harm or threats to harm pets.

a person qualified to study the
mind and human behaviour, and to help people
who have problems with mental functioning,
attitudes and behaviour

the hair that grows around sexual organs

a lawyer employed by the
State to take charge of court cases against people
accused of crimes such as rape

s a person, group, or institution that directly inflicts,
supports and condones violence or other abuse against a person or a
group of persons. Perpetrators are in a position of real or perceived
power, decision-making and/or authority and can thus exert control
over their victims.

refers to a person duly appointed as a prosecutor, and who is tasked by the state to present evidence
in court as to the facts of a criminal case