We are no longer accepting applicants for this role.
AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC) is looking for a Senior Programme Executive to support the centre in programme development, through monitoring and evaluation, to measure impact and ensure high and consistent quality for its various programmes. The role also requires supporting the SACC team in analysing data, drafting funding reports and liaising with external stakeholders. You can read more about our Sexual Assault Care Centre here.
Commitment: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 40 hours a week Salary range: $3,160 – $3,940 Term: One year (with possibility of extension) Starting date: Immediate Citizenship: Singapore citizen/PR or non-Singaporean holding Dependent’s Pass, LTVP or LTVP+ pass
Job Description
Establishing, monitoring and evaluating performance indicators for various SACC services and processes to ensure high quality and trauma-informed practices
Ensuring information gathered through monitoring activities is shared in a timely manner with senior Programme Coordinators, such that any issues arising and/or process gaps can be addressed
Assisting in the development of SACC programmes targeted at enhancement of services and processes
Developing data collection tools, and organising and analysing data collected to further SACC’s programmes and advocacy goals
Translating data into understandable, visually simple and powerful messages to inform decision-making and strategic short-term and long-term planning, as well as show SACC’s impact
Providing relevant, timely and accurate information to key stakeholders through various reports (e.g. monthly reports, funding reports, etc).
Liaising with and managing key internal and external stakeholders
Working closely with Women’s Care Centre staff, counsellors and Helpliners to support each other’s work
Requirements
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a performance monitoring and/or evaluation role or programme management role or related experience
Relevant education qualifications in management, development or related fields. Experience in the social sector is a bonus
Good analytical skills and commitment to confidentiality
Strong project planning: highly creative, adaptable and a self-starter
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English (verbal and written)
Superb organisational and time management skills
Ability to use initiative and judgment to solve problems independently and meet deadlines in a high-paced environment while balancing workload and competing priorities
Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint and Word
Please note that due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. If you have any questions about this position, please email careers@aware.org.sg.
Birds & Bees is a workshop that engages parents on topics related to sexual health and relationships, so as to equip them to better communicate with their children about sexual education. The workshop is conducted by facilitators Tan Joo Hymn, a storyteller, teacher and a longtime AWARE member; Mathangi Kumar, an ESOL teacher and counsellor; and Lee Yi Ting, a former Ministry of Education sex-ed facilitator and active advocate for sexual health and sexuality education in Singapore.
Previous editions of the Birds & Bees workshops were conducted in person. However as of June 2020, workshops are held online via Zoom. This workshop was conducted online across three sessions, each session lasting for 1.5 hours. Sessions were purposefully kept small, with fewer than 12 participants, to allow more time for discussion and sharing.
During the first session, participants were split up into smaller discussion groups to talk about the sex education that they themselves had received in their youth. Many parents shared that their sex education had been minimal, or that it had felt awkward, overly scientific or out of touch. Some found it to be uninformative or simply incorrect, with little variety or practical explanations of sexuality and sexual health. Parents expressed regret that comprehensive sex ed had not been taught to them.
All the parents agreed on one thing: They wished that they had been taught more formally about sexual health and exploration. They thought it important to teach sex education from a place of respect and love—for their own bodies and for others’.
The first session covered consent, while the second session focused on being an “ask-able” parent—i.e. being approachable and open, so as to encourage their children to confide in them. The third and final session touched on healthy versus unhealthy relationships, as well as sexual assault. The sessions also went in depth on how to have effective and healthy communication to broach these potentially uncomfortable or controversial topics.
The facilitators highlighted how communication is a two-way process. Parents have to remain empathetic and open-minded in order to effectively converse with their children, through sharing personal stories and active-listening.
At the end of the first session, the facilitators give the parents “homework”, which involved observing how they interacted with their children throughout the week, and identifying parts of their speech that could be improved upon for more effective communication. This included watching out for their own habits—were they giving instructions and scolding, or participating in active listening and response?
During the sharing session the following week, some reflected that they were used to scolding and giving instructions, which offered little space for their child to voice out their own feelings and thoughts. Noticing these patterns helped parents to identify which areas they needed to work upon: One parent shared that after reflecting upon their own communication style, they realised that it had to change. This led to implementing a more listening-focused stance when communicating with their child, rather than telling their child what to do.
Collectively, the parents agreed that topics like one’s own sexuality and safe sex practices were in fact awkward to bring up with their children (sentiments that corresponded with the findings of a recent survey by AWARE and Blackbox). Many felt that it was difficult to have these conversations abruptly, despite understanding their importance.
Accordingly, a significant takeaway from the workshop was that communication about awkward topics is not “one big talk”, but rather many micro conversations. For example, Joo Hymn suggested dropping small casual hints during daily conversations, like mentioning a scene from a movie that you watched together with your child, and then asking them their opinion on it. This technique allowed Joo Hymn to start a dialogue about an awkward topic with her child, while avoiding an uncomfortable or embarrassing confrontational moment.
It is important to acknowledge that when speaking about difficult or emotional topics, such as LGBTQ issues, pornography and consent, both parent and child might be feeling fearful and judged. However, it is important to talk to one’s child about these things regardless, and take steps towards normalising healthy, open conversations.
The next run of Birds & Bees takes place on 27 August, 3 September and 10 September 2020. Get your tickets now.
On 21 July, AWARE held a virtual panel discussion entitled “Good boys, softbois, sammyboys, boys will be boys: learning and unlearning toxic masculinity”. Almost 200 attendees joined in for the talk, with speakers Keeshan “Shan” Menon, a social worker and transgender activist; Kristian-Marc James, a Diversity and Inclusion programme coordinator and member of SG Climate Rally; and Tan Wah Kiat, long-time AWARE member and chairperson of the 2006 White Ribbon Campaign.
Moderated by AWARE’s Head of Research and Advocacy, Shailey Hingorani, the discussion covered what it means to be a man today, navigating different types of masculinities. It shed light on the different means by which masculinity affects the way men and women alike behave and are treated by others—in their personal lives, workplaces and other spaces.
Shailey began by bringing up the concept of “hegemonic masculinity”: the culturally dominant ideals of masculinity, centred around authority, physical toughness and strength, heterosexuality and paid work. This is an ideal of masculinity that many men struggle to live up to, and from which many others gain advantage.
Panellists quickly debunked the idea that there is only one correct way to be a man. Instead, all of them pushed for a more fluid understanding of society, stereotypes and gender representation.
Panellist Kristian-Marc James of SG Climate Rally
Kristian spoke about physicality in gender representation, touching upon the idea of being “male-passing” or “straight-passing”. He observed that conforming to the standards of typical male physicality allows him to navigate some spaces with less vulnerability than a man who presented differently on the outside. (However, Kristian also recognised that other aspects of his identity, such as his ethnicity, might disadvantage him in other ways within the Singapore context.)
Similarly, Shan explained that in his experience with social work, being a man is an automatic “entry” to communicating well with male clients. A female social worker, he reflected, might not be able to build rapport with a male client as easily as he could, as a “bro”. Shan uses this advantage to build relationships with male offenders, so as to provide them better services.
Wah Kiat recalled an old Mandarin adage (“男人流血不流泪”, roughly translating to “men bleed, not cry”) when he described his traditional upbringing—as a child, his father encouraged him to be unemotional and stoic. After becoming a feminist and AWARE member in his adult life, Kiat realised that suppressing his emotions in this manner was only harming himself. Reflecting on other experiences with gender inequality, Kiat also touched on the systemic devaluing of female workers, recalling when he realised that he might be earning more than a woman for performing the same job.
Panellist Tan Wah Kiat, a long-time AWARE member and teacher
In the chat box, audience members kept up a running discussion that paralleled and complemented the panellists’. Some lamented on how, despite becoming more aware of the detrimental effects of toxic masculinity, society largely continues to embrace it (e.g. by praising men who play traditionally masculine sports or activities, or who are sexually dominant).
This led to a question posed by Shailey to both the panelists and the attendees: In a society so overwhelmingly rooted in the patriarchy, how do we even begin to reject toxic masculinity?
The panellists suggested that individual actions can have an effect on society, ranging from small acts like “calling out” harmful behaviour from male friends, to larger advocacy or activism work that dismantles gendered structures. The first step is acknowledging that these systems are obsolete and need to change.
In the chat, an attendee also raised an important point about reexamining the ways parents raise sons differently than daughters.
Panellist Shan Menon, a social worker
Unlearning toxic masculinity might seem like an uphill battle, but this event showed that there are many passionate voices ready to make a difference. Having conversations like these is a good way to start. And notable wins—such as the increased number of women in Parliament after the recent General Election—can keep the momentum going.
Following this event, we are inviting members of the public to join a collective of individuals working on issues of masculinity. To be added to the group, please fill up this form.
As millions of people work from home, a new outbreak is growing—family domestic violence (FDV). Now that home has become the workplace for many, employers are recognising that family domestic violence often negatively impacts workplace productivity. Moreover, studies show that a high proportion of FDV victims confide in their colleagues about the situation.
Progressive workplaces (including some in Singapore) have started to implement FDV policies, provide benefits to support employees who experience domestic violence, and to train their managers and employees to support colleagues experiencing FDV.
Catalyse presents a panel discussion in collaboration with the High Commission of Canada in Singapore. Panelists include Barbara MacQuarrie, Community Director of CREVAWC; Corinna Lim, Executive Director of AWARE; and Roslina Chai, Managing Director of Catalyse.
Verbal abuse. Unfair treatment. A company culture rife with cliques and exclusion. Everyone has a story about a “horrible boss”, or a toxic office environment that sucks the joy out of employees. These experiences are so common, they beg the question: Have we normalised bullying at work?
Workplace bullying is a pernicious phenomenon that significantly affects the Singaporean workforce, regardless of industry. Even those working from home aren’t safe, as bullying can take place over digital platforms. Women in particular are disproportionately targeted by workplace bullies, often being made to feel inferior purely on the basis of their gender – AWARE’s Workplace Harrasment and Discrimination Advisory has seen 68 calls pertaining to workplace bullying since last September.
Bullying takes a serious psychological toll on its victims, producing anxiety and depression. Of course, it can also hurt an individual’s career progression, as well as a company’s productivity.
How do we begin to tackle such a widespread problem? For starters, both employers and employees alike need to have a robust understanding of what behaviours are unacceptable in professional settings. Join AWARE and Catalyse on Thursday, 27 August for a conversation on workplace bullying. We’ll highlight the behaviours—both overt and subtle—that constitute bullying, and discuss options for at-risk employees.
Maybe you’ve experienced workplace bullying or other forms of harassment. Or you’re a HR professional looking to improve your own company guidelines. Or you simply want a better understanding of this destructive phenomenon, so as to be a more supportive bystander. All are welcome at this in-depth discussion.
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2020
Time: 8pm
Venue: Online (via Zoom)
Fee: Pay what you can (suggested donation of $5 per head)
Mamta Melwani is the Senior Executive leading AWARE’s Workplace Harrasment and Discrimination Advisory. She received a B.S. in Public Affairs and Policy from Baruch College, New York, and worked with the New York State Legislature for policy reform on women’s rights issues, including sexual violence, health care and education. She advocates for women to have access to work that provides protection from gender-based discrimination and harassment.
Caroline Callow
Caroline Callow is a Senior Facilitator with Catalyse Consulting, where she leads training on workplace harassment for companies in Singapore. She is an Occupational Psychologist by training and an active member of Singapore’s OD Network, Caroline is committed to building respectful, inclusive and high-performing systems in which people can achieve their fullest potential. She holds a Masters degree from Birkbeck, University of London. She is registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and holds the BPS’s psychological and psychometric qualification in test use.
Godelieve Van Dooren
Godelieve van Dooren is a Partner at Mercer and leads several industry Human Resources networks (comprising of large High-Tech, Life Sciences, FMCG, Chemical, Retail and Hospitality companies) where she works with leading clients to shape progressive and sustainable HR programmes. She also oversees Diversity & Inclusion initiatives for Mercer for ASEAN, and supports organisations in implementing D&I policies in the region.
Asiyah Arif
Asiyah is a specialist dispute resolution lawyer who acts for clients in sensitive high-value commercial disputes and advises on employment matters. She led AWARE’s SHOut! Campaign to lobby for greater protection against workplace sexual harassment, and its We Can! Campaign to change social attitudes towards violence against women. Asiyah is committed to elevating the voices and stories of minority women in Singapore, and uplifting women from all backgrounds and walks of life.
“This was valuable… it made me reflect on my own values regarding sex and what I may project onto my children.”
“It opens up our inhibitions and gives us real opportunities to put [our thoughts into] words.”
“Often boys are let off the hook, but I think they should be mindful and learn about boundaries, especially in this day and age when lines are blurred and there’s so much to access online.”
“Can they do this in school for our children?”
– Previous Birds & Bees workshop attendees
Most parents believe that it is important to talk to their children about sex, but many are uncertain how to do it. But what happens when you keep putting it off until the children are “older”? Where do your children get answers to questions they can’t ask you? (The internet is one such place, and young people say they are most likely to ask peers and romantic partners.)
Birds & Bees is an experiential workshop for parents, developed by parents, to explore what works for you when talking to your child about romantic relationships and sex. A variety of formats will be used, including opportunities for dialogue, discussion and reflection
Most parents want to be an “ask-able” parent: to be the approachable adult who is open to questions and who their child turns to for answers. Attend this workshop to explore how you can work on developing your own strategies to enhance the trust and bond with your child!
All parents would find the content useful and applicable. For this online workshop, we are giving priority to parents of children aged 10-15 so that the discussions can be more age-targeted.
Places are limited so do sign up quickly!
Date: Saturdays – 15 August , 22 August, 29 August (Participants are expected to attend all three sessions)
Time: 10.00 – 11.30am (1.5 hours)
Workshop Fee: $15 (in total, covering all three sessions)
Survey: After you sign up, you will be asked to complete a short pre-workshop survey about the age(s) and number of your children. This is very important so that parents with children of similar ages can be grouped together to that you will get the most out of the workshop.
Special instructions for online workshop: As small-group discussions will be a big part of the workshop, participants are expected to switch on their video as well as audio whenever possible, and to join in the discussions for maximum benefit.
Refunds and cancellations: Unfortunately we will not be offering refunds. You are expected to attend all three session of the online workshop. In exceptional circumstances, if you are unable to attend the subsequent sessions, you will be able to join the next set of workshops if you write in to publiceducation@aware.org.sg in advance giving your reasons.
**If you would like to join the workshop but cannot make it at this time, please fill in the indication of interest form.
We are no longer accepting applicants for this role.
AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC) is looking for case managers who can support survivors of sexual assault in their journey of recovery, and help the centre with day-to-day functions and programme development. The role also requires significant time spent supporting the SACC team in advocacy and project-based work. You can read more about our Sexual Assault Care Centre here.
Position: Case Manager Department: CARE – SACC Commitment: Contract, 60 hours a month Remuneration: $500 per month Term: 1 year Starting date: Immediate
Job Description
Conducting intake interviews, client support and management of SACC cases (case work), including providing and arranging for SACC services, as well as timely casework documentation
Liaising with authorities, including the police, hospitals and lawyers, to facilitate the above
Providing coverage for SACC legal service as part of your role as a case manager and supporting the team where necessary
Committing to supervision, case sharing and any trainings related to improvement in quality of service
Any other tasks that may be assigned in relation to the position
Requirements
Minimum of 2 years of related experience
Relevant educational qualifications, like social work, counselling, psychology or related field.
Training on trauma and Singapore experience is a bonus.
Excellent inter-personal, empathy and communication skills in English (verbal and written)
Good analytical skills
Commitment to confidentiality
Superb time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines
Strong project planning: highly creative, adaptable and a self-starter
Ability to work independently to manage projects
Ability to use initiative and judgment to solve problems independently
Experience or interest in supporting or empowering individuals
Strong belief in gender equality and the values of AWARE
Proficient with computers and MS office, especially Excel and Word
Please note that due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. If you have any questions about this position, please email careers@aware.org.sg.
When given hypothetical scenarios, young people in Singapore generally understand when consent is given or not. That was the conclusion of a new survey by AWARE and Ngee Ann Polytechnic of 539 youths, ranging in age from 17 to 25 years.
However when it came to their own real-life experiences, things were not so straightforward. Of the respondents who indicated prior engagement in sexual activity, only slightly more than half stated that they had discussed sexual consent with their most recent partner.
Why is there a disconnect between what youths know about consent in theory, and how they practice consent in their own experiences? What can we do to bridge this gap? These were some of the questions posed during the online event “Consent: Do you get it?”, hosted by AWARE on 25 July 2020. Around 50 attendees tuned in for a couple of hours to talk about how sexual consent can be more complex in reality than we think.
Leading this discussion were three panellists: public policy master’s student and co-president of SafeNUS Carissa Cheow, AWARE’s Birds & Bees workshop facilitator Lee Yi Ting and SACC volunteer lawyer Priscilla Chia. Moderated by AWARE’s Shailey Hingorani, the panel explored how youths today are learning about consent, the limits of sexuality education and some ways to normalise communicating and respecting consent/non-consent.
Majority of youths understood when consent had not been given over a range of scenarios, including when consent was withdrawn halfway through an act, or when consent was given under a state of intoxication or under threat. However, some were less sure when it came to situations involving a) underage sex and b) a reluctant partner being coerced or urged to say yes. Men were also more likely than women to identify some scenarios as consensual.
Attitudes towards consent and rape myths
Youths generally held progressive attitudes, though males were more likely than females to agree with problematic statements on consent and rape (for example, “most claims of rape are false”). Still, of concern was the finding that more than 1 in 10 young people believed that victims of sexual assault or rape had to “take some responsibility for what happened to them”.
Personal experiences with communicating consent
Of those who had engaged in some form of sexual activity (16%), majority (85%) said they asked for consent before initiating sexual encounters, but around one in three reported feeling awkward about asking for consent. Only slightly more than half had discussed sexual consent with their (most recent) partner before engaging in sexual activities.
Learning about consent
While almost all young people wanted consent to be taught in schools, less than half said they had actually been taught about it.
Sources of information about consent
Where are youths learning about consent from?
“There is still some level of division [among youth] today, and a lot of it still depends on where we get our information from, and who we discuss it with,” Carissa said.
Panellists posited that the Ministry of Education’s sexuality education programmes’ emphasis on abstinence and legal statutes may be difficult for some students to apply to their lives. As a result, many youth find themselves learning about consent from the internet and social media, or through peer groups. Conversations with friends are ultimately affecting how youth perceive the information they glean about sex from the media or elsewhere. While it is encouraging to see youths proactively talking about consent, panellists agreed that there are issues with learning about consent in such an unstructured manner.
Building on the importance of such conversations, Yi Ting gave examples about how MOE’s sexuality education curriculum may impede open discussion of consent. Speaking from her experience as a former Junior College educator, she noted, “When you’re focusing on abstaining from sex, you’re not really giving space to talking about consent and what it looks lke.”
In the survey, 97% of youths wanted consent to be taught in schools. Instead, Yi Ting recalled from her experience that MOE sexuality education spent more time on the negative consequences girls potentially face when they engage in sex—e.g. pregnancies and STDs—and less time on respectful interactions. Educators also bring in their gendered biases when teaching. One audience member shared that their sexuality education facilitator told girls that they had to be firm in saying “no”, as “boys can be pushy”—placing the onus on girls to avoid sexual violence, instead of on boys to not commit it.
Gaps between knowledge and application
The survey revealed that although many can recognise consent from a third-party perspective, they tend to second-guess themselves when it comes to their own experiences, wondering “Is this consent? Have I obtained consent?”
This is because there are personal stakes in real-life situations, panellists suggested. Many may feel hesitant to turn down a partner’s advances because they don’t want to hurt their partner or ruin the relationship.
In response, Yi Ting pointed out that there is all the more a need to cultivate a culture where people are attuned to various signs of consent and when it is being revoked—such as when a partner expresses that they are no longer feeling good mid-act.
Promoting a culture of consent
Panellists concurred that there needs to be a sustained engagement on multiple levels to construct a strong consent culture. Noting the importance of quality conversations at the peer level, Carissa asked, “How can we start this conversation with more people?”
With regards to education, elements of non-sexual consent can be taught at a young age. For example, parents can teach children that it is OK if they are not comfortable hugging a relative, as opposed to pressuring them to accept such contact. How we practise consent in non-sexual activity affects how we will practice it in sex. As Yi Ting put it, “Sex ed should not just be respected in a few hours of a school year.”
When it comes to social media platforms, we can practise cultivating consent by considering three stages at which consent may be violated: production, distribution and consumption of content. We need to consciously ask ourselves, “Am I implicated in violating someone’s consent in our digital interactions? Am I contributing to a culture of objectification, as opposed to a culture of respect?”
Lawyer Priscilla Chia spoke about the legal definition of consent at Consent: Do you get it?
At the level of the law, there are channels available for individuals to share their concerns with policy-makers. Priscilla suggested that those who wish to see legal reform should write in to their Members of Parliament and make submissions via REACH.
She offered these parting words: “Don’t underestimate the power of yourself, of being part of that conversation. You can be the conduit of change.”
On 17, 19 and 22 June, AWARE hosted a series of online talks in collaboration with IRB Law, a Singapore-based law firm. IRB Law provides legal services and guidance across a broad range of issues, specialising in divorce, and is currently the largest Syariah law practice in Singapore. Over Zoom, the speakers—practicing IRB lawyers—gave presentations and answered questions on domestic violence and divorce.
The subject matter could not have been timelier during the COVID-19 pandemic. For many families and couples, being forced to stay at home for prolonged periods of time with one another has led to increasing tension and stress, culminating in violence and/or divorce. AWARE has received record numbers of Helpline calls relating to family violence—with a 137% increase (adjusted) in May 2020 over family violence calls from May 2019— while some law firms also reported an increase in divorce-related enquiries during the circuit breaker.
IRB Law speaker Ameera Bajrai (bottom right) explaining the civil divorce process on 19 June 2020
The IRB Law talks series aimed to support individuals facing domestic issues who might have few avenues for help due to financial issues or a troubled marital situation. The events provided a safe space for these individuals to learn about their legal rights and possible solutions to domestic issues, and obtain accurate, thorough legal advice free of cost.
The first session, on 17 June, was entitled “Domestic Violence and your Legal Rights”. Speakers Muntaz Zainuddin and Nur Izyan provided an overview of domestic violence in Singapore, highlighting the issues that arise as a result of quarantine during COVID, and possible legal remedies. These legal actions include applying for a PPO (personal protection order), EO (expedited order) or a DEO (domestic exclusion order). The speakers also covered what one could do when faced with violence or harassment at the hands of non-family members—such as an intimate partner, friend or even a neighbour—via POHA (Protection From Harassment Act).
The second session on 19 June, about civil divorce, was led by speakers Ameera Bajrai and Nureliza Syahidain, and covered the basic procedures of filing for divorce in Singapore. The lawyers informed audience members that anybody who has stayed in Singapore for at least three years, and been married for at least three years, can file for a divorce. Some potential grounds for divorce include unreasonable behaviour (such as your spouse inflicting physical or mental abuse or harm and behaving in any way you cannot reasonably live with), separation, adultery and desertion.
The third session, on 22 June, covered Syariah divorce, with speakers Norhakim Shah, Amalina Saparin and Abdul Aziz. The process of Syariah divorce is different from civil divorce: For example, unlike civil divorce, a couple doesn’t have to be married for a minimum of three years before filing for Syariah divorce. Under Syariah law, a marriage can be dissolved by the pronouncement of talaq by the husband in court. Women, on the other hand, can use the grounds of khuluk (divorce by redemption or compensation), taklik (a breach of marriage terms) and fasakh (marriage annulment) to file for divorce. Additionally, the speakers emphasised that the welfare of any children is of utmost priority during both civil and Syariah divorce proceedings.
Each presentation was followed by a lively and engaging Q&A session where the speakers answered questions about various issues, such as custody, grounds for divorce and court order variations. The lawyers also provided more detailed answers regarding various legal proceedings.
Finally, feedback from attendees was collected, with most attendees sharing that they found the sessions to be very informative and helpful—a much-needed avenue for individuals to learn about their legal rights and processes.
One attendee praised the “willingness of the speakers to engage and help participants gain deeper insight to the topic”.
Another commented: “The speakers were well-informed about this topic, and were able to share advice and points from their personal experiences of such cases that may not have been thought of.”
With an average of 98 attendees per session, the IRB Law Talk series saw participants from many walks of life. While many were individuals seeking advice for their personal contexts, a number of social workers were also in attendance to learn more about domestic violence and divorce legal procedures.
