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Description
Domestic violence experienced by women is an important social issue in Poland. According to the Polish National Police, in 2019 there were 88,032 reported cases of family violence, and the number of initiated ‘Blue Card’ procedures was 74,313. As our own data show, the number of cases in the Olsztynek Municipality was 3 times higher than the official municipal statistics. In June 2020, the local government office of the Warmian-Masurian Province carried out a survey to check what actions were taken within the ‘Blue Card’ procedure during the Covid-19 pandemic. The researchers also wanted to verify the information about the increase in the phenomenon of domestic violence during this period. 75 people representing Municipal Interdisciplinary Teams took part in the survey. Half of them found a high increase in the phenomenon of violence. According to 65% of the respondents, the current situation requires the introduction of new types of activities, including the implementation of specialist support for children and young people as well as strengthening cooperation between various institutions. It is also necessary to change social awareness of witnesses of violence. The aim of the project is to increase the engagement of the inhabitants of the Warmian-Masurian Province in activities aimed at preventing family violence. Within the project we will publish 3 publications dedicated to this subject. We will conduct a series of workshops for local authorities, representatives of police and health services, as well as for schools, in particular for children and adolescents from violent families. Moreover, 8 therapists will be trained on therapeutic treatment of perpetrators of violence with the use of the Finnish Jyvaskyla method. The project is implemented in cooperation with the Olsztyn Telephone Aid Association.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was to increase the involvement of the local community, residents of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, in tasks related to counteracting the phenomenon of domestic violence. As part of the project, specialized and participatory programs were developed to support the development of competences of experts, but also of representatives of local communities unrelated to the topic of preventing and combating domestic violence, which enabled these communities to become more active in activities to reduce domestic violence.
The project involved the development and implementation of participatory training programs supporting the development of competences of experts but also representatives of local communities unrelated to the topic of preventing and combating domestic violence, which would stimulate local communities to be active in the area of limiting domestic violence. These programs were addressed to various professional groups such as local decision-makers, health care workers, social welfare center workers and teachers. The project will allow the preparation of three publications dedicated to the topic of violence against selected social groups: 1) seniors: "The issue of violence against older people. Diagnosis, prevention, support", 2) children and youth) "Educational and preventive program - in the network of violence", 3) professionals, specialists working with perpetrators of domestic violence "Introduction to group therapy for perpetrators of violence using the Jyväskylä method". The project also included a point consultation for victims and perpetrators of violence, which provided a total of almost 300 hours of psychological, therapeutic and legal support for victims of domestic violence and perpetrators of domestic violence. A local "React to Violence" campaign was organized for local communities, addressed to children and young people, in which 250 people took part. The project partner conducted 14 training sessions on elder abuse, attended by 356 seniors. The project was also an opportunity to increase the competences of specialists working with victims of domestic violence thanks to training on Jyvaskyla therapy for perpetrators.
The implementation of the task improved the competences of target groups in the area of domestic violence. The classes were workshop-like in nature, during which arrangements were made using, among others: case studies difficult situations related to this topic. Training participants expressed their satisfaction with the content of the classes. The applicant has established closer cooperation with police officers, which will translate into easier detection of violence. The implementation of the training led to the strengthening of the system of protection for victims of violence and the stronger inclusion of Wn. to the network of existing institutions and entities in the voivodeship, improving cooperation between institutions involved in supporting people affected by the problem of violence. Activities for victims and perpetrators of violence contributed to strengthening the self-esteem among victims of violence, improving the availability of specialized support services for victims of domestic violence, and for perpetrators and people experiencing violence, acquiring skills in limiting violent behavior and increasing the sense of responsibility for the use of violence among perpetrators. and developing social and personal competences related to increasing self-esteem and building trust, constructive communication, coping with environmental pressure, building a personal support system, assertiveness and setting boundaries, dealing with grief, fear and guilt. Completed 40-hours training conducted in the form of a workshop allowed to become acquainted with the latest knowledge in the field of working with perpetrators of violence conducted at the Jyvaskyla university center by prof. Juha Holma. 9 practitioners from the province took part in the training. Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, who gained knowledge about the principles of group therapy for perpetrators of violence.