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Description
The project provides quality integrated services, addressing multidisciplinary issues of domestic and gender-based violence, including specific measures in the fields of social, medical, educational, occupational and housing for at least 550 persons (adults - especially women and children) victims of domestic and gender-based violence in rural areas and small urban areas from Iași, Vaslui, Bacău and Neamț counties, covering 250 local communities where such services are lacking or are insufficient.
The activities include: specialized services provided in the center for assistance and counselling for victims of domestic and gender-based violence (e.g., psychological, family, social, legal, parental counseling and assistance, individual / group therapy), occupational services and entrepreneurial development, educational programme addressed to children victims / witnesses of domestic and gender violence, securing housing spaces for victims.
The project aims also to improve the framework for cooperation and coordination of local public and private services involved in the integrated approach to the problem of domestic and gender based violence across the entire spectrum of prevention-protection-monitoring action through information, training, transfer of good practices, from Norway and Romania, development of joint working practices with at least 450 professionals and volunteers who work or interact with the victims in order to facilitate access to quality services.The project is innovative due to the integrated nature of the intervention - by joining five key partners: 4 national partners (including the coordinating agency of the national strategy for the prevention and combating of domestic violence, ANES) as well as a Norwegian NGO (Hedda Foundation) with expertise in domestic violence in Norway.
Summary of project results
Domestic violence remains a deeply rooted issue in Romania, affecting thousands of individuals annually, mostly women and children. The phenomenon is particularly alarming in rural and small urban areas, where access to specialized support services is scarce or entirely absent. In Iași, Vaslui, Bacău, and Neamț counties, victims of domestic and gender-based violence face significant challenges, ranging from physical and emotional trauma to social isolation.
In this context, the "GLORIA – Integrated Assistance for Victims of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence" project emerged as a lifeline for those in need. The initiative addressed these urgent needs by providing comprehensive support services, fostering recovery, and preparing the framework for long-term solutions to prevent and combat violence.
The GLORIA project approached quality integrated measures, including social, medical, educational, occupational and housing assistance and made a relevant impact on the lives of 698 victims of domestic and gender-based violence, including 270 children, across 350 communities in Iași, Vaslui, Bacău, and Neamț counties.
The project’s cornerstone was the establishment of the Counselling Centre for Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence in Miroslava commune, near Iași, a facility offering immediate psychological and social support, forensic assessments for physical and sexual violence cases, and tailored recovery programs for victims. Through a network of dedicated professionals and volunteers, the project provided a lifeline for victims, delivering 595 individual psychological counselling sessions to 163 beneficiaries and legal aid to 83 victims, resulting in 47 court actions, including protective orders and divorce cases. Children received particular attention, with 214 young victims or witnesses of domestic violence benefiting from educational programs that included individual and group sessions designed to rebuild trust and self-confidence.
To ensure victims’ safety, the project implemented housing security measures for 50 individuals, including installing panic buttons and improving living conditions through renovations. Moreover, the project empowered victims economically, enrolling 221 individuals in occupational and entrepreneurial training programs. These efforts led to tangible outcomes, with many beneficiaries securing qualifications or employment, such as cosmeticians, medical assistants, and other skilled professions.
The project''s reach extended beyond direct support to victims. Awareness campaigns disseminated critical information across 350 communities, and local teams made over 100 visits to rural and small urban areas to connect with potential beneficiaries and stakeholders. Additionally, 488 professionals and volunteers received specialized training, fostering a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to addressing domestic violence.
The established network of services facilitated the access to high-quality services for victims of domestic and gender violence in the four counties involved.
By integrating expertise from Norwegian and Romanian partners, the project also contributed to legislative advancements, ensuring a more robust framework for combating domestic and gender-based violence. Ultimately, GLORIA stands as an example of the transformative power of collaboration and compassion, offering hope and dignity to those who have suffered while building a safer, more equitable society.