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Description
The aim of the project is to support the functioning of the system of preventing domestic violence in the Połczyn-Zdrój Commune through the development and strengthening of cooperation between various institutions and organizations operating in the commune and the implementation of early prevention activities.
The expected results of the project are: developing a comprehensive program for preventing domestic violence in the Połczyn-Zdrój Commune, which will be provided by various institutions and organizations and tailored to the needs of individual people.
In the case of participation of people with special needs, the applicant shall ensure appropriate conditions for their participation (e.g. buildings and rooms adapted to people with disabilities). Activities that require reading and writing will be prepared in such a way that they can be used by people who are visually impaired or blind. A sign language speaker will be provided for the hearing impaired. The project provides for a flexible way of implementing activities - language that is easy in content and form, language appropriate for gender, the use of equality slogans, media allowing to reach the widest possible group, dates and hours of forms of support adapted and suitable for all participants, both women and men, not interfering with other activities.
Women, due to their greater number and social roles they play, more often have to face a crisis in the family, are expected to be covered with the project in a greater number. During all workshops, therapy, classes and meetings, stereotypes in relation to women will be combated. During all forms of support implemented in the project, measures for equal opportunities and non-discrimination will be implemented. The staff employed in the project will be able to use flexible forms of employment, which will facilitate to balance family life with professional duties.
Summary of project results
The Center for the Family in Połczyn-Zdrój aimed to address the issue of domestic violence by establishing an integrated prevention and support system for families. The key challenge the project sought to solve was the lack of coordination among institutions responsible for combating domestic violence, as well as the need for more effective prevention at different levels. The project was designed to enhance the early response system, raise public awareness of domestic violence and its consequences, and strengthen the capacity of professionals working with affected individuals. The project focused not only on helping individuals already affected by violence but also on preventing it by educating the community and fostering healthy family relationships. Strengthening the competencies of professionals working in the field of domestic violence was also crucial to improving intervention effectiveness.
As part of the project, based on the Day Support Facility, the Family Center was established, implementing a network-based model—a platform for inter-institutional cooperation. This made activities more coherent and effective, enabling the achievement of set objectives. A crucial aspect of the project was the faster and more effective identification of families in need of support or assistance in various areas of family life. To achieve this, the Relational Risk Assessment Tool (NORR) was introduced, allowing the diagnosis of family situations and directing participants to appropriate forms of assistance. Depending on their assessment results, individuals could participate in various support and therapeutic activities.
The project encompassed a wide range of activities, including public awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational sessions, as well as specialized support such as couples therapy, mediation, and legal, psychological, and psychiatric consultations. A strong emphasis was placed on educating residents about building healthy relationships, family communication, and preventing aggression. 346 people participated in the project, including 220 women and 126 men, significantly exceeding the initial target of 170 participants.
The project also significantly improved the competence of professionals working in domestic violence prevention. 23 specialists were trained in using the Relational Risk Assessment Tool, which enhanced their ability to accurately diagnose family situations and implement more effective interventions. Additionally, the creation of a long-term cooperation platform between 23 institutions allowed for better coordination of actions and information exchange among specialists.
After the project’s completion, all involved institutions and stakeholders identified two key areas for future action:
The need for further education for young parents and those planning to start a family—particularly in the areas of child-rearing, family communication, emotional expression, and stress management. The project demonstrated that prevention in this field is crucial in avoiding family problems at an early stage.
Strengthening educational initiatives for young people, a group that was relatively underrepresented in the project. It was suggested that workshops and training programs should focus on healthy communication, family planning, division of household responsibilities, non-aggressive communication, and anger management. These activities will help young people acquire skills that can prevent relationship and family problems in the future.
The Center for the Family in Połczyn-Zdrój not only improved institutional cooperation but also contributed to a real enhancement in the quality of life for many families. Thanks to comprehensive activities, the project reached twice as many participants as originally planned, and effective prevention efforts helped prevent the escalation of domestic violence in many households. The established model of collaboration and the experience gained during the project can be utilized in the future to support families even more effectively and prevent domestic violence on a broader scale.