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Description
The project aims to improve services as well as knowledge and understanding of the impact of domestic violence on children and thus the entire intergenerational transmission of gender-based and domestic violence, as well as to expand and improve the quality of counselling and therapeutic services provided to women experiencing violence and their children. Modern human rights approaches consider children living in violent couples to be victims, even if the children are not directly physically abused. Parent-family dynamics greatly influence the development and lives of young people. Young people exposed to violence during their formative years - from childhood to young adulthood - learn the powerful lesson that violence can be an effective tool of control in relationships. These facts reflect a "cycle of violence" or "intergenerational transmission of violence" in which children imitate and repeat their parents'' behaviour, contributing to the transmission of violence from one generation to the next. Interventions that break this cycle are crucial to prevent further violent behaviour. The project addresses these problems through the tree pillars of prevention, education and intervention.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address violence against women and their children by providing counselling and therapeutic services. The project also aimed to address the general lack of awareness and understanding about domestic and gender based violence among authorities. The limited understanding of abuse dynamics and their profound impacts leads to persistent stress and stigmatization for victims. Furthermore, children who witness domestic violence often adopt violent behaviors as a framework for social interactions, fueling the "cycle of violence." Exposure to violence at home fosters fear, instability, and aggressive tendencies. Interrupting this cycle is crucial to breaking the pattern and preventing the continuation of violence across generations.
A key focus was on education and training, with high-quality sessions conducted both in-person and online. These sessions provided essential knowledge and practical tools for professionals working with children exposed to violence. Nearly two dozen professionals from Southern Slovakia were trained, significantly enhancing their ability to support affected children. The project also benefited from fruitful collaborations with Norwegian and Czech experts, enriching the learning experience for the project promoters. An impactful information campaign played a key role in raising public awareness about partner violence and its effects on children. The campaign included a short, powerful film and online content shared on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, as well as visual materials displayed in places frequented by parents and children, such as clinics.
Another significant achievement was the accreditation of the Kiwi Centre, a project partner, to work with victims of crime, enabling professional support for children affected by violence. This development marked a major step toward providing more effective help to victims. The project’s activities collectively advanced understanding, support, and intervention for those impacted by domestic violence.
The project successfully supported hundreds of women living with abusive partners, helping them understand their situation and begin exploring ways to escape violence. It also brought attention to children living in violent environments, marking a shift in focus for our organization from exclusively supporting women to addressing the needs of children as well.
For victims of domestic violence, the project provided practical assistance and pathways toward safety. For professionals, including psychologists, lawyers, and social workers, it delivered significant educational benefits through collaboration with a Norwegian partners, enhancing expertise in addressing domestic violence.
The project also raised public awareness through key events:
- An online opening conference
- A press conference for the short film and campaign engaged 12 media representatives, with comedian Simona Salátová sharing personal insights and the short film
Overall, the project achieved its main objectives of empowering victims, educating experts, and raising public awareness about domestic and gender based violence