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Description
The perception of domestic violence in Roma communities is closely linked to the community''s understanding of gender roles and the dominant role of men. Many Roma women do not report crime due to a widespread belief that these are internal family problems. The PROTECT project aims to change this situation by improving the capacity of investigators in Bulgaria to investigate DGBV cases, as well as to increase the confidence of Roma communities in the police, investigation and prosecution, so as to increase reporting rates. The project offers three main activities to achieve its principal goal:
- First: Analysis of risks and risk profiles in ethno-social context as a basis for knowledge-based public policies.
- Second: Specialized training for professionals working in the field of combating domestic violence and violence against women.
- Third: A targeted campaign to bring together representatives of the judiciary with representatives of Roma communities to formulate common goals and priorities in the fight against this phenomenon.
As a result:
- 128 experts involved in the fight against gender-based violence and violence against women will be certified for the acquired knowledge and skills in the course of non-formal learning.
- 40 people, incl. young people (students, etc.) will be covered by information measures within the frame of the campaign.
Publications and other resources created in the course of the work will remain available on the Internet, organized for the needs of this type of training and after the end of this proposal. The cooperation with the University of Oslo is a basis for establishing lasting contacts between the Bulgarian partners and organizations and institutions in the Kingdom of Norway.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the project was to increase the capacity of the Bulgarian authorities in combating domestic and gender-based violence. Enhancing the expertise of professionals was a core priority, leading to long-term improvements in victim support and case handling.
A needs assessment report was developed to guide future law enforcement and judicial personnel training.
Professionals, including investigators, magistrates, mediators, psychologists, teachers and law enforcement officers, received specialized training, improving the justice system’s ability to handle with gender based violence cases.
Two round tables were held with the participation of representatives of different stakeholders, including Roma organisations.
Enhancing the expertise of professionals was a core priority, leading to long-term improvements in victim support and case handling.
Awareness of violence against women has been raised among target groups and the wider community.
The implementation of the project led to sensitization of the community to domestic violence and promotion of zero tolerance through prosecution of the crime.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian project partner (the Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law at the University of Oslo) played an essential role in the research work, contributing through their proven methodological expertise and presenting best practices from Norway. Their participation enriched the research report, ensuring it is comprehensive and based on proven global practices. The exchange of knowledge, with a thematic focus on international aspects of the problem, criminological and forensic approaches in Norway, enabled the Bulgarian team to improve the content of the training programmes and support services.