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Description
The project contributes to the development of a comprehensive and holistic approach to the needs of victims in cases of gender-based violence and domestic violence and focuses on creating coordinated protection. The partnership leads the beneficiary and the project partners to work more closely together to implement the necessary measures, with the aim of ensuring a common understanding of the specific needs of women experiencing violence and victims of domestic violence. The aim of the project is a necessary and adequate systemic response of a coordinated system consisting of police, health care, and social services, which will work in an integrated way to prevent secondary and repeated victimization and physical and psychological recovery of victims. The project will improve the protection and support of women experiencing violence and victims of domestic violence within the competencies and procedures of the institutions concerned, including the necessary completion of professional capacities and material equipment. The aim is to make measures and procedures aimed at preventing gender-based violence and domestic violence and secondary victimization of victims highly functioning in the upcoming period. Regular meetings and cooperation between the institutions involved and support services at national and regional level will contribute to building a system of coordinated response between the institutions concerned.
Summary of project results
The project, Improving the Protection of Victims'' Rights - Strengthening Capacities and Procedures to Combat Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, aimed to tackle systemic and societal challenges in addressing violence against women and domestic violence in Slovakia. Key issues included the lack of coordinated, comprehensive, and victim-sensitive support services, the prevalence of secondary and repeat victimization during institutional responses, and the need to strengthen multi-agency cooperation.
One of the major challenges was the limited capacity and preparedness of professionals, including police officers, healthcare providers, and social workers, to handle cases of gender-based violence effectively. Another critical issue was the accessibility of support services for women and children in crisis, particularly those in remote or rural areas. The absence of infrastructure, such as specialized interrogation rooms, further compounded the challenges victims faced when seeking help.
Additionally, the project addressed the need for public awareness campaigns to counteract the normalization of violence, educate the public about the rights of victims, and foster a culture of zero tolerance for violence against women.
The project implemented a comprehensive set of activities to strengthen support systems, improve institutional responses, and raise awareness about violence against women and domestic violence.
Strengthening Multi-Agency Cooperation and Capacity Building
The Coordination-Methodological Centre (CMC) played a central role in fostering collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations. Regional Action Plans were updated to improve the coordination of prevention and protection efforts. Specialized training programs were provided to 1,858 professionals, including police officers, healthcare providers, social workers, and NGO staff. These programs emphasized a victim-centered approach, equipping participants with the skills to identify signs of violence, assess risks, and prevent secondary victimization.
Enhancing Support Services
To improve accessibility and quality of support services, the project launched the National Helpline for Women Experiencing Violence, a 24/7 confidential service that offered guidance and immediate assistance. In addition, the project developed the bezpecnemiesta.sk application, which enabled real-time monitoring of safe housing availability for women and children in crisis.
Eight specialized interrogation rooms were established to ensure victims could share their experiences in a safe, private, and trauma-informed environment. These rooms were designed to minimize distress and provide victims with a sense of safety during legal proceedings.
Awareness and Advocacy Campaigns
Public awareness campaigns, such as Zastavme násilie na ženách ("Stop Violence Against Women"), were conducted in collaboration with public figures and institutions. These campaigns aimed to destigmatize seeking help, educate the public on the impacts of violence, and promote preventative measures. Educational workshops targeting students and professionals included discussions on consent, healthy relationships, and the prevention of sexual violence.
Research and Tools Development
The project developed new protocols and tools, including standardized procedures for forensic medical examinations and data collection, to ensure consistency in responses to gender-based violence.
The project had a significant and measurable impact on victims, professionals, and society as a whole.
For Women and Children
The National Helpline for Women Experiencing Violence received over 2,444 calls within one year, providing immediate support and crisis intervention to women in need. The bezpecnemiesta.sk application facilitated access to safe housing, reducing barriers for women seeking shelter. The creation of eight specialized interrogation rooms ensured a victim-centered approach during legal proceedings, reducing the risk of secondary victimization.
For Professionals
The project trained 1,858 professionals, enhancing their ability to identify, assess, and address cases of violence against women and domestic violence. This capacity-building effort improved institutional responses, ensuring victims received appropriate and timely support. Standardized procedures, such as forensic examination protocols, provided consistency and reliability in victim care.
For the Public
The project’s awareness campaigns and workshops reached thousands of individuals, fostering a broader understanding of gender-based violence and challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence. Events like Zastavme násilie na ženách engaged communities in discussions about gender equality and prevention, creating a culture of accountability and support.
Systemic Impact
The project strengthened cooperation between governmental and non-governmental entities, fostering a more integrated response system. The outcomes and tools developed during the project established a sustainable foundation for continued progress in addressing violence against women.
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership with the Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS) brought valuable expertise and knowledge to the project. NKVTS’s experience in addressing gender-based violence and implementing victim-centered approaches helped shape the project’s methodology and tools.Through this partnership, the Slovak project team gained access to evidence-based practices, such as trauma-informed care and risk assessment models, which were adapted to the Slovak context. Study visits and collaborative workshops facilitated the transfer of knowledge and enabled Slovak professionals to learn from Norway’s advanced systems of victim support and prevention.NKVTS also played a crucial role in developing training programs for Slovak professionals, ensuring these programs were informed by international best practices. This collaboration significantly enhanced the project’s overall impact and sustainability.The bilateral cooperation between Slovakia and Norway achieved significant results at both institutional and operational levels.- Shared Research and Knowledge ExchangeThe project produced comparative studies on shelter systems and victim support services in Slovakia and Norway, offering valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of each system. These studies informed the development of new tools and procedures in Slovakia.- Capacity Building Through Joint TrainingTraining sessions and workshops facilitated by NKVTS improved the skills of Slovak professionals and strengthened their understanding of victim-centered care. Norwegian experts provided tailored recommendations for enhancing service delivery, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.