More information
Description
The aim of the project is to prevent domestic violence, to counteract the social exclusion of women in a difficult life situation and to socially and professionally activate these women. Family violence, especially against women, is a huge problem throughout Poland. According to statistics from the Prevention Bureau of the National Police Headquarters, 59,701 forms initiating the ''Blue Card'' procedure were recorded in Poland in 2020, which represents 82.23% of the total number of forms completed by the Police. As part of the project, we offer support in crisis for women from the Nowe Masto County, we conduct therapeutic classes, consultations with a coach and support groups. We create an anti-violence coalition and organise working meetings of intervention teams to develop better methods of supporting victims, working with perpetrators and preventing domestic violence. The direct beneficiaries of the project are women from the Nowe Masto County. These are persons experiencing violence, living in small towns and villages, being in difficult life situations, e.g. in refugee crisis, requiring psychological support, at risk of social exclusion, with low comepetence. The project also targets the families of these women, crisis intervention workers, and the local community at large. The project partner is the Nowe Miasto Women''s Academy, an NGO operating in Nowe Miasto Lubawskie.
Summary of project results
Domestic violence, especially against women, is a huge problem throughout Poland, including the Nowe Miasto district. By implementing a partnership project, we counteracted domestic violence, activated women in difficult life situations both socially and professionally, and counteracted their social exclusion.
50 women from the New Town district experiencing physical, mental and economic violence, in difficult life situations, their families, the local community and members of interdisciplinary intervention teams for counteracting domestic violence took part in the project activities. We carried out three activities, which consisted of: therapeutic meetings for women in crisis, individual consultations with a psychologist/therapist/coach/lawyer/doctor, support group meetings, training for an anti-violence coalition, coaching workshops, meetings with women with passion, science workshops coping with stress and change, and intergenerational local initiatives. During all classes and meetings, we conducted classes for the participants'' children at the same time.
The project turned out to be a great support for women experiencing various types of crises and difficulties. The participants had the opportunity to take advantage of free, professional consultations with specialists, which was unattainable for them due to their financial possibilities and the size of the town where they live. After just a few weeks of the project, women commented on how much better they felt and functioned. Thanks to the project, they learned about their strengths and ways to deal with adversities. Strengthened by the workshops and professional support they received, they were ready to take bold steps to change their situation, from resigning from their current job and looking for a better one or starting their own business to improving their relationships with their loved ones (partner, child or parent). They were even able to make the difficult decision to leave a partner who used violence (mental, physical and economic). The anti-violence coalition has developed better methods of counteracting domestic violence, which will have a positive impact on cooperation between institutions and will improve the effectiveness of the assistance provided. By participating in intergenerational initiatives organized by the participants, the local community increased its awareness of counteracting domestic violence and became the recipients of the project''s information activities.