Description
The project addresses the need to boost the capacity of NGOs to influence decision-makers about ensuring adequate social services to victims of domestic violence (DV) as the current services are insufficient and inadequate. The project aims at boosting NGOs’ capacity for advocacy and monitoring via a series of trainings. 30 representatives of NGOs involved in the social sector will have 3 trainings in sensitization, advocacy and monitoring. The first training will present to the NGOs the specificity of DV, the consequences and the need for protection and social services. The second training will develop NGOs’ skills to advocate for the interests and rights of the victims. The third training will present the available protection and prevention measures and how to monitor their implementation. Finally, a forum will be organized to discuss the issues in social work with DV victims. The project will benefit victims of DV, NGOs, social services, local authorities and the public in general.
Summary of project results
The project resulted in creating the conditions for the development of an informal partnership network between social NGOs. They had the opportunity to exchange experience and ideas in the process of advocacy, lobbying and monitoring. The acquired skills will encourage them to submit specific requests to the competent authorities and develop their role as advocates for the rights and interests of domestic violence victims. The project significantly contributed to improving the competence of the target groups related to domestic violence and stirred activity and initiative for advocacy before the competent authorities in favour of the victims. The NGO members discussed and planned a joint initiative in the districts of Varna and Dobrich. The project implementation was decisive for the integration of the Centre for Social Services for Social Rehabilitation and Integration of Domestic Violence Victims in the social agenda of Varna Municipality for 2015 and the municipal budget. The representatives of active NGOs providing social services were attracted as trainees and active participants in discussions to identify gaps in the system for support and protection of domestic violence victims.
Summary of bilateral results