Relation has POWER - prevention of domestic violence in Bytom

Description

The main objective of the project is to improve the system of preventing domestic violence in Bytom by conducting activities in the field of early prevention. The implementation of the goal will be ensured by creating a comprehensive program for preventing domestic violence, under which numerous institutions operating in the city will cooperate to improve the situation of people at risk of violence. Thanks to the implementation of the project, a Family Centre will be created, which will provide services to people at risk of violence. As part of the project, it is planned to provide support to 49 couples diagnosed with the risk of violence. An important element of the project will also be the training of representatives of institutions cooperating in the implementation of the project in the field of prevention of domestic violence. An important project activity will be organization of a social campaign and events concerning the phenomenon of violence. The result of the above-mentioned activities will be an increase in awareness of the impact of the quality of relationships on the risk of domestic violence.

Recruitment of participants will be carried out with equal access. People who are in a worse situation (e.g. people with disabilities) will have easier access to participate in the project. The buildings and rooms where classes for the disabled, seniors and parents of small children will be adapted to their needs and appropriate support will be provided for participants with special needs.

The project will have a positive impact on promoting equality between women and men. While planning the activities the Project Promoter took into account the disproportion between women and men in terms of experiencing or using violence.  The project staff will use gender-sensitive language and present women and men in active, non-stereotyped roles. Both women and men will be involved in the decision-making process in the project.

Summary of project results

The project "Relation has POWER - prevention of domestic violence in Bytom" was aimed at addressing several key social issues that increase the risk of domestic violence.

First and foremost, the project tackled the problem of the intergenerational transmission of violence and learned helplessness, which causes children raised in violent environments to replicate such behaviors in adulthood. Additionally, there was still social acceptance of corporal punishment, leading to the normalization of violence within families.

Another major issue the project addressed was alcohol abuse as a primary trigger for domestic aggression. In Bytom, nearly half of the cases reported under the Niebieska Karta (Blue Card) procedure were linked to alcoholism, highlighting the urgent need for intervention in this area.

The project also responded to the difficult economic and social conditions of families, which contribute to escalating domestic conflicts. Bytom has a higher poverty rate than other cities in the region, and stress caused by financial problems and unemployment often leads to aggression and frustration within households.

Furthermore, the project aimed to counteract the weakening of family bonds and communication difficulties, which hinder the development of healthy relationships. The impact of technology, daily responsibilities, and inherited relational deficits made it challenging for many families to resolve conflicts constructively.

Another crucial issue addressed by the project was the insufficient preparedness of institutions to effectively respond to domestic violence. Employees of educational institutions, healthcare services, social welfare offices, and law enforcement agencies often lacked the necessary knowledge to recognize and combat domestic abuse.

Lastly, the project sought to tackle low public awareness and societal reluctance to intervene in cases of domestic violence. Many incidents remained unnoticed or ignored due to a reluctance to interfere in family matters.

The project aimed to combat these issues through preventive, educational, and systemic initiatives focused on improving family relationships, strengthening institutional cooperation, and raising public awareness about domestic violence.

While working with the local community, we observed an increase in violent behaviors within families. At the same time, we noticed that public institution employees do not always know how to respond correctly when they witness such situations.

In response, we decided to strengthen relationships at various levels.

1. Strengthening inter-institutional cooperation

   • We invited schools, kindergartens, medical clinics, non-governmental organizations, the Police, and court-appointed probation officers from one district of the city to collaborate on broad educational and integration activities.
   • Together with employees of the family support center and the crisis intervention center, we worked on recognizing violence and responding appropriately.

2. Promoting healthy family relationships within the local community

   • We organized family festivals, an outdoor game, board game meetings, and an art competition for school and preschool children.
   • These activities not only promoted engaging ways to spend time together but also included educational elements emphasizing the importance of good family relationships.
   • This initiative was reinforced by a social campaign featuring thematic press articles, a family event, and small promotional materials related to strengthening family relationships.

3. Providing direct support to families at risk

   • We focused on 49 selected families in which we observed symptoms that could lead to violent behaviors in the future. To prevent this, we offered:
     • Meetings with a psychologist, sexologist, and social worker.
     • Educational workshops for adults and separate workshops for children.
     • The Parent Academy program.
   • We emphasized quality time spent together, inviting parents on date nights and whole families to participate in integrative activities such as cooking and handicraft workshops, as well as sports activities.
   • We also provided an opportunity for families to take part in a two-day integration and training trip, where they learned how to build positive relationships.
   • To make access to our support easier, we offered childcare services and a sign language interpreter, based on the participants’ needs.

The undertaken activities helped strengthen cooperation between the entities involved in the project, enhancing employees’ competencies and significantly improving day-to-day operations. Institutions from other districts took notice and eagerly participated in additional training sessions organized by the crisis intervention center.

Additionally, an informational guide was developed and distributed, detailing available support services. It included contact details and the scope of services offered by various aid institutions in Bytom, ensuring that individuals experiencing violence could receive more tailored and comprehensive support.

Conversations with participants and ongoing observations throughout the project confirmed that the proposed support measures were effective. They helped improve relationships between partners and within families, encouraged openness to new possibilities, and increased awareness of behaviors that could lead to violence.

The project also contributed to raising awareness and sensitivity to domestic violence issues. This is reflected in a significant increase in the number of Blue Cards issued during and after the project''s implementation.