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Description
Violence is most often directed against women and girls, and is one of the most common forms of human rights violations. Victims regularly cover up violence for fear that their safety will be further compromised if they confide in someone, because of the shame they have experienced and because of the specific dynamics of the violent relationship that makes the victim helpless. According to official data, Family Center Požega for 2021, a total of 94 reports of violence were received (17 related to physical violence, 8 to corporal punishment or other means of degrading treatment, 28 to psychological violence, 41 cases related to several types of violence at the same time). Duration of violence according to the testimony of the victim: one - time - 51, up to one year - 13, more than one year 30. The structure of reported cases: children 19 (9 M, 10 F), adults 98 (28 M - of which 8 elderly M victims, 70 F - of which 3 F victims with disabilities, 16 F elderly victims). A total of 15 women victims are employed and 41 unemployed.
CSO employees can play a key role in the early detection and prevention of violence, as they are often the few professionals that users come into contact with in their daily lives and who can create a confidential conversation environment. The project activities are aimed at identifying factors that contribute to the vulnerability of the victim and determining the prevalence of violence against women at risk.
The purpose of all project activities is aimed at providing conditions for effective and comprehensive impact in order to improve the protection and assistance to victims of violence, and to raise awareness of the general public about this problem.
Summary of project results
Overall, the project sought to address the multifaceted challenges surrounding violence against women in the Požega-Slavonia County. The project aimed to address lack of involvement og CSO-s in combating violence against women as well as lack of their cooperation on this issue by establishing an informal initiative. In Požega, there was a notable absence of education and campaigns on violence against women, prompting efforts to increase awareness through campaigns and inform citizens about available support services like shelters. Additionally, there was a general lack of awareness about the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities. Project activities also focused on addressing the identified gaps by organizing leading thematic meetings, public actions, and campaigns. The project also comprised actions to empower victims of violence against women, through socio-rehabilitative workshops, targeting women of various demographics, including those from rural areas and with lower socioeconomic status. These workshops aimed to equip victims with both practical and soft skills. Legal support in the form of free legal counselling and education on rights was also provided, along with access to psychological counselling.
Specialized education sessions on violence against women and the related issues were organized for professionals, employees of the partnering organizations, and interested persons, including some of the beneficiaries of the local women''s shelter. Four workshops, led by experts from the Women''s Room in Zagreb, were organized in Požega, Pleternica, Jakšić, and Brestovac, gathering over 30 attendees. These sessions contributed to awareness raising amongst CSOs'' leadership, employees, local authorities, social welfare officials, and citizens.
Female victims of violence and women at-risk were supported and empowered through educational and psychosocial workshops. A total of 14 workshops were held, including sessions on digital literacy, financial literacy, communication skills, and legal rights. These workshops provided practical tools and soft skills, such as assertive communication, aiding victims in finding employment and recognizing abusive behaviour in relationships.
The project activities resulted in forming of an intersectoral platform/ initiative titled "Supported, Strong, and Informed – A Future Without Violence!". The initiative is comprising various organizations and institutions willing and ready to collaborate to combat violence against women. Monthly meetings were held, newsletters distributed, and social media campaigns conducted to raise awareness and engage the community.
Three local campaigns against violence of women were organized and in addition the project partners participated in the national campaign #DENIMDAY). The activities included public events, online campaigns, and educational activities aimed at informing and engaging the public in combating violence.
A thematic seminar "Future Without Violence" was organized as well, in the premises of the Social Wlefare Centre in Požega. The gathering focused on issues and challenges facing women with disabilities, already victims of violence or at-risk. The event gathered 48 persons among which CSOs representing people with disabilities, experts, and representatives of the related institutions and services. Based on the conclusions from the event, the project partners together with the CSOs representing people with disabilities have created a document (Memorandum) with suggestions to the respective ministries for supporting the initiatives and programmes for prevention and combat of violence against women and girls with disabilities.
Overall, the project fostered stronger connections between the civil sector and public institutions, resulting in increased support for victims and enhanced awareness of gender-based violence issues in the community. The target groups of this project were women victims of violence, women at risk of violence, leaders of local CSOs, remployees and experts of vatious respective institutions, and citizens. CSO leaders increased the involvement of their organizations in the promotion of gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence, and systematic support for vulnerable groups through project implementation. The project strengthened the managerial capacities of implementing organizations through leadership and management training, as well as through communication and experience sharing. Additionally, an informal initiative titled "Supported, Strong, and Informed" was established, currently signed by several organizations including Humanum (Project Promotor), Multiple Sclerosis Association of Požega-Slavonia County, Safe House Požega, Croatian Social Welfare Institute - Požega Branch, Association Oppidum, Association La Bella Vita from Kutjevo, and Požega Cultural Center.
Three public campaigns were organized with the purpose to raise awareness about violence against women and domestic violence, available support services, and project activities. These campaigns involved volunteers from Catholic Gymnasium Požega, members of the informal initiative, and received support from the county prefect and the head of the social activities office of the City of Požega. There was increased interest noticed about participation in project activities, from students and individuals not affiliated with the project organizations. For instance, students volunteered, the Požega Youth Council shared initiative updates, citizens donated to Safe House residents for Christmas, and the Požega Police Department expressed interest in collaboration, leading to joint events in 2023. The project also impacted women, both victims of violence and those at risk, empowering them through socio-rehabilitative workshops, helping them gain various skills and knowledge in the domains such as digital literacy, financial literacy, communication skills, and family law rights. A total of 20 women victims and 174 women at risk participated in these workshops, leading to tangible outcomes such as recognizing the signs of abuse, improving emotional regulation, and preparedness for employment .