After the murder, Amanda, a single mother of one, did not know where to turn. Her family blamed her for Yadira’s death, and Amanda knew that her case would probably not be resolved; according to a recent study by the World Bank, only 10% of the cases that are denounced in the Public Prosecutor’s office reach a resolution. That’s when her friend, Julia, stepped in. Julia had also suffered through the murder of a sibling—her brother. She’d felt the same hopelessness Amanda now felt. But then she’d been put in touch with the ASJ (formerly known as AJS)-supported Peace & Justice team, made up of an investigator, lawyer, and psychologist who helped her work with authorities to prosecute and arrest the perpetrator.

Encouraged by Julia’s story, Amanda decided to contact the P&J team, who was quickly on the case. The P&J investigator gathered evidence using a wide network of collaborators in the community, and the lawyer worked to build up a case. During the whole process the P&J psychologist, Karla, spent time with the survivors, preparing them to witness in the trial.

In January of 2012, the case finally went to trial. Karla notes, “I didn’t think any of the witnesses were going to come to the trial, they were so scared that the murderer would find out that they were testifying and seek revenge. But then, on the first day of the trial, they all showed up. That’s how badly they wanted justice.”

The P&J team made sure the witnesses were given protected witness status, which, under Honduran law, means their name, physical appearance, and other identifying characteristics are not revealed during court proceedings. The perpetrator was sentenced to prison, and when the judges asked if any family member had a statement at the end of the trial, Amanda had the courage to step forward and say, “I risked taking this case to the police because I thought maybe justice could be done, and you have proven that it can be. Thank you.”

*Names changed to protect beneficiaries’ safety and privacy.