Breaking the Silence on Sexual Violence. Consolidating the Capacity of NGOs to Offer Better Services to the Survivors of Sexual Violence

Description

In Romania, one in three women is affected by sexual violence during her lifetime. However, the Romanian government does not comply with the minimum standards regarding victims’ support, nor with the international commitments in the area of violence against women. In addition, this severe social problem often remains outside the public and political agenda. "Breaking the Silence on Sexual Violence" aims to build the capacity of fourteen nongovernmental organisations to provide better services to survivors of sexual violence and to consolidate their role as watchdog organisations. The coalition will implement a national advocacy campaign supporting the ratification of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention ad the creation of rape crisis centers for victims of sexual violence. The coalition members will develop an online resource center, which will act as a common platform of data and resources on sexual violence, increasing the visibility of this critical social issue.

Summary of project results

In Romania, 6% of women are victims of sexual violence at least one time in their lives. However, there are no integrated specialized services provided by the state. In this context, the national network Breaking the Silence on Sexual Violence made use of the know-how and resources stemming from its 20 NGO members and successfully implemented a comprehensive advocacy campaign for the ratification by Romania of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence and the creation of the first Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in the country. The network put pressure on public authorities, which contributed to a faster ratification of the Istanbul Convention, a more informed task force responsible for the implementation of the Convention, as well as a commitment from the government to create SARCs within the following 2 years. Member NGOs have developed and adapted the advocacy campaign for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention during 4 meetings, as well as strengthened the bond of feminist/women’s NGOs involved. One training session was organized for member NGOs on psychological counselling for victims of sexual violence. The network delivered several opinions and made legislative amendments and public policy proposals during 5 working meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Superior Council of Magistracy, The National Agency for Gender Equality, Police Inspectorate, Prosecutor’s Office and others. Two comprehensive position papers on the need for SARCs and on the necessary legal changes for the correct ratification of the Istanbul Convention were drafted and used during the advocacy campaign. Moreover, one petition for the creation of SARCs and 3 public letters were submitted to the Government calling for the implementation of protective measures and better services for victims. A conference was organized in Bucharest on the challenges of ratifying the Istanbul Convention, with key speakers from the Council of Europe GREVIO Committee and representatives of the Parliament, Ministry of Justice and Health. A fundraising concert was organized in Cluj-Napoca, attended by 200 people, which contributed to raise awareness on sexual violence, as well as to financially support the NGOs providing services to victims. The online resource centre on gender-based violence, www.violentadegen.ro, was developed and its design was improved.

Summary of bilateral results