More information
Description
Programme outcome the project contributes to: “Improved situation for the Roma population”.
The project will improve the capacity of the Bulgarian Police to respond to cases of domestic and gender based violence (DGBV) and contribute to the development of efficient policies in the area of combating this human right violation. The project will improve the situation of the Roma population. The project will be implemented in areas with high Roma population and will focus on prevention, risk assessment, support to victims and collection of data on DGBV in Roma communities.
The project will include, inter alia, the following main activities:
- Elaboration of algorithm of risk assessment on recognition of DGBV cases and the attached protocols;
- Training of police officials for implementation of risk assessment on DGBV cases, including on combating Roma stereotypes. The trainings will include Training the trainers seminars;
- Trainings for police officials in protection of victims of DGBV;
- Exchange of information with NGO’s, GREVIO, CEDAW, FRA, CoE for gathering best practices and relevant data;
- Elaboration and hardware delivery for Automated Information System (AIS) "Domestic violence" for entering, processing and storage of the data related to DGBV, including 3-year maintenance of the system;
- Providing training and increasing capacity of professionals on providing and using data from AIS with view to meeting the minimum EU and International reporting and monitoring requirements on DGBV.
Summary of project results
One of the main challenges encountered during the training sessions was the need to change public attitudes both among police officers and among representatives of other institutions such as social and health workers, judges, and prosecutors, who also participated in the training seminars. Although the issue of DV is becoming more widely recognized, a key problem remains the fact that the project activities alone are not sufficient for sustainable improvement. The fight against DGBV requires a long-term and integrated approach. Achieving this necessitates further knowledge building, analysis of the implementation of new practices, and regular monitoring of the effectiveness of the Algorithm and the AIS.
The implementation of the project contributed to raising awareness and sharpening public attention to the problem of DV. Domestic violence, which is predominantly an issue within Roma communities, is no longer being overlooked. The final results of the two-stage survey conducted under the project show that an increasing number of adult Roma are aware of what DGBV is and are willing to report such cases when they occur.
On the other hand, trained police officers have shown greater sensitivity and care towards victims of DGBV. When a report is made, they become engaged and demonstrate professional attitude.
Through the implementation of the planned activities in the project, the Risk Assessment Algorithm was successfully introduced, along with the protocols associated with it. This is part of the new Methodological Guidelines for the actions of Ministry of Interior employees under the Domestic Violence Protection Act, approved by an order from the Minister of Interior. The questionnaire measures the level of risk for increased severity of injuries or death in a subsequent incident of violence. It is designed to be completed by the victim and assesses their experiences and perceptions regarding the situation of violence they are facing.
An Automated Information System (AIS) “Domestic and Gender-Based Violence” (DGBV) has also been developed, and hardware (computer configurations and multifunctional devices) has been provided for it. The system has been put into operation.
Police officers have been trained to work with the Risk Assessment Algorithm, to optimally use the developed AIS DGBV, and to improve control over the enforcement of already imposed protective measures.
Training sessions were conducted on the protection of victims of DGBV, as well as on prevention and raising awareness about violence against women and children, with a special focus on Roma women and children.
The 23 training sessions conducted under the project led to significant results in enhancing the professional competence of police officers in recognizing and appropriately responding to cases of DGBV, as well as improving the situation of the Roma population.
The Risk Assessment Algorithm implemented under the project will be used in the long term and will help the victim recognize that they are in a situation of violence and be aware that there is a risk of recidivism and/or subsequent homicide. On the other hand, it provides a mechanism for specialists to justify the proposal of a security plan for the victim and take specific measures against the perpetrator.
- The implementation of the AIS DGBV will:
- Ensure effective control by police structures over domestic violence (DV) offenders, as well as facilitate the development of adequate national policies and strategies that align with the needs of the victims.
- Lead to an increase in the exchange of information through multiple reference checks carried out by police officers in their routine work.
- Improve the quality of the collected database and the reliability of the information provided. This is of utmost importance, as the system will be linked to the National IS being developed by the National Council for DV Prevention and Protection, of which it will become a part in 2025.