Description
The cooperation between the police, social workers, medical staff and other for the prevention of domestic violence is insufficient in Estonia. The objective of the project is to build up an integrated system and to develop their cooperation according to a common model of action: a) the unification of terms concerning gender based violence; b) the creation of a common base for the training of specialists on domestic and gender based violence; and c) the improvement of professional and operational guidelines. This project is expected to increase the awareness of the risk groups, the general public, and specialists and legislators based on the data obtained during several studies and media campaign. As a result of the project the cost of intimate partnership violence to Estonia will be calculated. The Norwegian partner of the project is Resource Centre on Violence, Traumatic Stress and Suicide Prevention, Western Norway, whose role is the training of specialists.
Summary of project results
Project was necessary to create working model for allparties dealing with domestic and gender-based violence (police, hospitals, social workers, public sector etc). Project promoter estimates as biggest achievement to get together all specialists of the field for 14 times. To understand their jobs 4 expert studies were made. Roundtables helped to understand the needs of victims and understand how ohter parties work and what could be done together or different than before. They were also places where discussed about each roles in helping the victim. Stronger understaning meant better help for victims. For example it was understood same methods police interrogates potential criminals, does not suit for victims. Other, more empathic ways are needed to interrogate victims. New working instructions were created for police for these reasons. Also risk evaluation sheets were created. To summarise all the suggestions that rise up articles were written to many journals (Riigikogu Teataja (parliament journal), Juridica, Juridica International). To make work easier for each parties, agreement was made to use same concept so that everybody would understand and speak the same language. Another victory was that judges now are being taught about domestic and gender-based violence in schools and they understand the topic better. Campaign was made about violence and healf of victims. The goal was to make society understand the consiquences of violence for the victim, for economy and for society. Also campaign through article series "If hits, doesn't love" was arranged. A study was made to calculate the price of domestic violence (lose of work, medical help, try a case, etc). Feedback for the Project from partners was very good. All stated many important improvements were made for the field and for the victims and Network for specialists work stronger together now.
Summary of bilateral results
Cooperation with partners from Norway was very hood. All partners regretted the Project ended too soon, more time could have been useful to understand the whole context. Resource Centre on Violence, Traumatic Stress and Suicide Prevention, Western Norway helped to organised trip for Estonian experts to Norway and participation at the expert meetings in Estonia. Study trip to Norway was the base for many actions such as creating risk evaluation sheets for police and communication training for specialists to talk with victims more empathical way.