Description
The project addresses the need for support for vulnerable groups of people (women victims of domestic violence (DV), children at risk of abuse and neglect, the Roma) in Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality. The project aims at supporting them by providing them with community services to match their needs. First, psychological and social counselling services will be provided. 40 children and 50 women victims of DV will be reached. Second, free legal aid and legal representation will be provided to 50 women victims of DV. Third, family group conferences will be held for children at risk and the extended family will be able to gather, mobilize its resources and develop a plan to overcome the issue. 10 such conferences will be held for 10 families. The project will benefit the vulnerable groups of people (children at risk of neglect, abuse, dropping out, adopted children, women victims of DV, the Roma), education and healthcare institutions and the public in general.
Summary of project results
The project met the needs for adequate services for women, children and families at risk in Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality. The project allowed for early identification and support and reduction of domestic violence. The project also increased the organisational capacity of Centre Maria Association by introducing modern models of support of vulnerable groups. The project team introduced the method of Family Group Conferences and provided access to legal aid to women who were victims of domestic violence. Adequate and free-of-charge support and protection were provided to victims of domestic violence, children and families at risk from the municipality and the region, including from small villages and minority background. The legal aid and lawful protection provided under the project as a combined measure had long-term impact on victims of domestic violence. The supported family in social isolation changed their quality of life. The number of children at risk dropped. Coordination between the institutions improved and public awareness about the issue of domestic violence was raised. After the project end the team has continued to work with children and families at risk and women who are victims of domestic violence. The funding of the model used in the project has been planned in the organization budget for 2016. The target groups were 62 children who were victims or at risk of violence (8 of Roma background), 61 women victims of domestic violence (11 of Roma background), 15 consultations and supported families (3 of Roma background).
Summary of bilateral results