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Description
The project was created in cooperation with three entities: Bogdaniec Commune, the Association of Aid Organizations and the Commune Public Library in Bogdaniec. The main objective of the project is to improve the system of preventing domestic violence. Activities are directed to families experiencing violence and families at risk of domestic violence covered by the support of a family assistant.
Within the project, the project promoter will create a Family Centre in Bogdaniec commune together with a unit in Jeniniec at the Active Resident Centre. The Family Centre will operate 5 days a week, 8 hours a day, the unit of the Family Centre in Jeniniec will operate 5 days a week, 4 hours a day.
As part of the project, a Relationship Risk Assessment Tool will be created, which will be the basis for determining the need to support individual beneficiaries under the project.
The Family Centre will be established at the Partner''s premises with rooms adjusted to the needs of people with disabilities - without architectural barriers. The Project Promoter will prepare information and promotional materials which will be properly designed with content sensitive to disability, gender and tolerance, with appropriate font and easy to navigate.
All activities in the project are in line with the horizontal issues of gender equality. The same applies to recruitment of participants of the project as well as promotion and information activities which will be carried out in line with the principle of gender equality.
Summary of project results
The project „Family Center in the Commune of Bogdaniec” was aimed at countering domestic violence and gender-based violence, as well as supporting families at risk of violence. The main objective was to improve the system of counteracting violence by:
- supporting families affected by violence,
- implementing preventive and educational measures,
- improving the quality of family relations,
- increasing public awareness of the consequences of violence,
- implementing the Relational Risk Assessment Tool to identify those at risk of violence.
The project responded to the problems of low social awareness of violence, lack of systemic support for families and insufficient coordination of the activities of aid institutions.
Establishment and operation of the Center for the Family - a space offering support for families and specialized assistance.
Training and workshops for employees of anti-violence institutions (including police officers, educators, social workers).
Psychological and therapeutic support - 528 hours of psychological counseling and 120 hours of therapy.
Family and peer mediation - 480 hours of mediator support.
School for parents - an educational program about parenting and building healthy relationships.
Preventive activities and social campaigns - brochures, “Families to Start” festival, competitions in schools, “In the Family Strength” workshops.
Implementation and testing of the Relational Risk Assessment Tool, which helped determine the scale of the threat of violence.
Educational and animation classes for children and families.
Sheltering activities - 840 food packages for families at risk of social exclusion.
Improved the domestic violence prevention system - a Center for the Family was established, where comprehensive assistance was offered.
Reduced the number of reports of violence - the project contributed to greater awareness and prevention efforts.
Raised public awareness - 400 people participated in information campaigns and workshops.
Better family relations - 150 people confirmed improved relationships within the family.
Training and improving the competence of support services - social welfare workers, police officers, educators, probation officers and members of NGOs participated in the project.
Support for people at risk of violence - 40 people received specific forms of assistance.
Introduction of performance standards - testing of the Relational Risk Assessment Tool improved the identification of families at risk.
The project directly affected families affected by violence, people at risk of social exclusion, as well as employees of aid institutions, who, thanks to training, respond more effectively to cases of violence.
The Integrated Domestic Violence Prevention Model was developed as part of the “Integrated Domestic Violence Prevention System” project implemented by the Justice Institute. The main goal of the model is to reduce domestic violence by improving the quality of relationships within the family.
The model emphasizes:
- mutual support between partners.
- the ability to resolve conflicts.
- effective communication.
- building a sense of security and trust.
Research conducted as part of this project, including focus group interviews and a review of the scientific literature, clearly indicates that poor quality of relationships between spouses or partners is one of the key risk factors for domestic violence. Improving the quality of these relationships leads to a reduction in the risk of violence.
In addition, international research confirms that developing positive emotions and relationships increases feelings of happiness and satisfaction with life and reduces the risk of violent behavior. For example, a study published in the journal Aggressive Behavior found that people who practice gratitude are less likely to be aggressive and more likely to be empathetic.
It''s also worth noting that parent training and family therapy have positive, long-lasting effects in reducing the extent of violence and crime. These programs focus on strengthening family ties, improving communication and teaching constructive strategies for dealing with conflict.
The implementation of the project has brought tangible social benefits in the Municipality, contributing to the strengthening of family relationships and more effective prevention of violence. We are confident that the solutions developed will have a long-term impact on the local community.