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Description
Assistance to the victims of domestic and gender-based violence is not effectively coordinated in Prague and Central Bohemia Region. Moreover, individual institutions often treat victims inappropriately: they misinterpret their behaviour, do not understand the impact of trauma, etc. The system thus places an extreme burden on victims, discourages them from solving their critical situation and often fails to address sexual violence appropriately. The project responds to these failures by improving the effectiveness of interdisciplinary cooperation by strengthening the capacities of the existing Platform for Assistance to Victims of Sexual Violence and transferring the know-how and experience from this Platform to the broader system for assistance to victims. The activities comprise expanding the database; training and developing the competences of professionals; supporting the Platform methodologically and transferring of know-how. The project target groups are members of the Platform, other professionals, proFem workers and victims. Through the analysis of the long-term impact of sexual violence, trainings and development of specialized materials the expertise and competences of Platform members and other professionals will be increased and broad data and information base will be created. The methodological anchor of the Platform will enable it to function effectively and strengthen the contact between the participants, which will lead to better cooperation, coherence and comprehensive solution to individual cases of sexual violence. Thanks to the project, proFem staff will deepen their competences too. The project will help to improve the position and the fulfilment of rights of victims by improving the efficiency of the helping system. The partner organization of the project is the research agency MindBridge Consulting. It has profound expertise in the field of research, while ProFem will contribute with expertise in the topic of sexual violence.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the lack of systemic support for sexual violence victims in the Czech Republic and the inefficiencies from uncoordinated efforts among assistance organizations and institutions, as well as the lack of available data. Key challenges included unifying different approaches and delays caused by limited expert capacity. Despite these issues, the project achieved significant improvements in victim support and enhanced long-term collaboration among stakeholders
The project aimed to improve the cooperation of professionals who focus on supporting victims of sexual violence by strengthening the activities of the Platform for Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence. The final beneficiary created an extensive database from existing resources, deepening understanding of sexual violence issues. Representative research on the impact of sexual violence was conducted and the findings were summarized in a research report for advocacy. 125 experts attended the trainings focused on legal aspects, trauma – informed approach, mental health care, and other essential topics.The final beneficiary developed a methodology and ethical guidelines for the Platform''s operation and prepared recommendations for interdisciplinary collaboration. Information and project results were shared through specific section on proFem’s website, 3 informational newsletters, and other communication channels, ensuring widespread awareness and support among the professional community.
The data research and study on the impact of sexual violence on victims created a vital tool for advocacy activities to improve the support system. The training sessions enhanced the skills of 125 professionals. Methodological foundations for the Platform were established, and participant collaboration was strengthened. The closer cooperation among nonprofit organizations led to improved specifically the services for victims facing intersectional disadvantages. The project significantly strengthened the capacity of the system to prevent and combat sexual violence. The expanded database, mapped impacts of sexual violence, training of 125 professionals, and reinforced interdisciplinary collaboration within the Platform improved coordination and effectiveness in supporting victims. This project will enhance victim care, thereby strengthening overall human rights protection and fostering societal change in attitudes toward victims.