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Description
The project will integrate services provided by specialists employed in Commune Social Welfare Centre, e.g. social workers, a psychologist, a lawyer, and specialists from the Crisis Intervention Centre in Tomaszów Lubelski, as well as other people involved in the interdisciplinary team, working groups. The project will be implemented by the Commune Social Welfare Centre in Tomaszów Lubelski.
Project activities will be implemented with respect for the principle of gender equality, non-discrimination of people with disabilities by e.g. using equality language, avoiding stereotypes, equal access to activities, ensuring accessibility in terms of architecture, education and transport.
The project will ensure equal access to participation in activities, regardless of gender. e.g. recruitment for participation in training will be determined by identified training needs. The management staff is aware of the obligation to respect the principle of gender equality and applies it in practice.
Summary of project results
Domestic violence is one of the most hidden yet devastating social issues. In the municipality of Tomaszów Lubelski, as in many other communities, this problem affected many families, often going unnoticed and unreported. Many victims—both adults and children—were left without adequate support, often out of fear of consequences or a lack of knowledge about available assistance.
Several factors exacerbated the problem:
- A lack of places where victims could seek help – no comprehensive support center existed.
- Low social awareness – not everyone understood what domestic violence truly is, what forms it can take, and what protective mechanisms could be used.
- Insufficient training for professionals and services – people working in the domestic violence prevention system often lacked access to modern diagnostic and support methods.
- Lack of education on healthy family relationships and gender equality – stereotypes about gender roles and a lack of relationship-building skills increased the risk of domestic violence.
These challenges motivated the Municipality of Tomaszów Lubelski to create a project that would serve as a comprehensive response to the issue of domestic violence, incorporating both intervention and prevention strategies.
The initiation of the project "Integrated domestic violence prevention system in the Tomaszów Lubelski commune" was a challenge undertaken in response to the expectations of both professionals engaged in combating domestic violence and the local community of Tomaszów Lubelski Municipality.
The project''s main goal was to develop a final mixed-model of integrated domestic violence prevention based on high-quality relationships, which could be implemented in the future and disseminated in other municipalities.
The primary objective of the project was to improve the functioning of the domestic violence prevention system in the municipality by conducting early prevention activities aimed at enhancing intra-family and partner relationships, as well as increasing the qualifications and competencies of members of the Interdisciplinary Team, Diagnostic and Support Groups, and representatives of other institutions dealing with domestic violence issues.
The project activities were planned with respect for gender equality and non-discrimination of people with disabilities. This was ensured through the use of inclusive language, avoiding stereotypes, providing equal access to educational materials, ensuring equal opportunities to participate in activities, and guaranteeing accessibility in architectural, educational, digital, and transportation aspects.
To effectively combat domestic violence, an integrated and multi-faceted approach was needed, encompassing support for victims, public education, and the enhancement of professionals'' competencies.
Establishing the Family Support Center (CdR) – The Heart of the Support System
One of the project''s key components was the establishment of the Family Support Center, which became a place where individuals affected by domestic violence could find support, understanding, and assistance. The center operated under a mixed-model approach, providing psychological, social, and legal aid, including:
- Individual psychological counseling for victims of violence,
- Social and legal support – helping with formal procedures related to domestic violence intervention,
- Family therapy and counseling to improve communication and relationships,
- Prevention and education – focusing on stopping violence before it escalates.
This center not only assisted victims but also supported families in crisis, offering a chance to rebuild relationships and prevent violence from escalating.
Training for Specialists – Investing in a More Effective Domestic Violence Prevention System
To effectively combat domestic violence, it was essential to train professionals working in social services and crisis intervention. A series of workshops and training sessions were organized for:
- Social workers,
- Teachers and school counselors,
- Doctors and nurses,
- Members of interdisciplinary teams,
- Police officers and other law enforcement personnel.
These training sessions equipped participants with the knowledge and skills to identify signs of domestic violence, support victims, and use intervention tools, such as the Relational Risk Assessment Tool. The program also included hands-on workshops, allowing specialists to better prepare for real-life cases.
The Social Campaign "Good Relationships Bring Satisfaction" – Education for the Entire Municipality
To reach as many residents as possible, a widespread social campaign was conducted with the aim of:
- Raising awareness about domestic violence and its consequences,
- Encouraging people to build healthy family relationships,
- Educating on gender equality and balancing family and work roles.
The campaign included 11 events, including two large conferences, meetings for seniors, families, youth, and professionals. One of the highlights of the campaign was the production of an informational film and the distribution of educational materials (brochures, calendars with hotline numbers, etc.).
Workshops for Families – Building Healthy Relationships from the Ground Up
Domestic violence often stems from poor relationship quality and a lack of communication skills. Therefore, as part of the project, family workshops were organized to:
- Improve communication between spouses and partners,
- Strengthen the bond between parents and children,
- Teach emotional regulation,
- Introduce healthy conflict-resolution methods.
The workshops were conducted as weekend retreats, allowing participants to focus on relationship-building and acquiring new skills in a comfortable environment. Additionally, fun activities were arranged for young children, ensuring that the entire family could benefit from the program.
The project was a great success, both in terms of the number of people supported and the quality of the actions taken. The achievements include:
- 100% completion of planned objectives – all activities were fully implemented,
- 124 families received long-term support,
- 50 specialists trained (120% of the planned target),
- 160 participants in family workshops,
- High engagement in the social campaign, which reached a broad audience.
The impact of the project was multi-dimensional:
- Victims of domestic violence received real help and support,
- Families learned how to build healthy relationships,
- The local community became more aware of domestic violence issues,
- Specialists gained new skills that will allow them to work more effectively in the future.
Thanks to this project, a sustainable system for preventing domestic violence was established in the municipality of Tomaszów Lubelski, ensuring that the support and awareness efforts will continue even after the funding period ends. This initiative brought real change, improving the lives of hundreds of residents—and perhaps even saving lives.
The implementation of these activities led to the achievement of the intended results, including:
- Improved local cooperation.
- Strengthened partnership between public and non-public sectors.
- More competent and comprehensive support for domestic violence victims.
- Empowerment of individuals affected by or at risk of domestic violence.