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Description
The project aims to build and expand existing networks of social service providers - counselling centres for victims of domestic and gender-based violence by providing counselling services (such as special social, legal, psychological, economic, health, etc. ) to victims at risk and victims of gender-based violence (such as domestic violence, sexual violence and rape, stalking, sexual harassment, forced abortion, forced sterilisation, honour crimes, etc.) and their children (counselling for children who witness violence, psychosocial, pedagogical, therapeutic and group dynamic work, joint work with mothers, support for judicial interventions, etc.). The project will provide training/workshops for the staff of the counselling centres in order to increase their qualification in the field of domestic violence and gender-based violence. The project also includes publicity and PR activities for the general and professional public on domestic violence and gender-based violence.
Summary of project results
Following the global COVID-19 pandemic, Slovakia saw an increase in domestic and gender-based violence cases. The project responded to this challenge by establishing new counseling centers for women and children affected by violence, aiming to strengthen the support network for these vulnerable groups in the Bratislava and Trnava regions. The project focused on providing specialized services such as social, psychological, and legal counseling, crisis intervention, safety management, and other support tailored to women and children experiencing violence.
The project accomplished the following key activities and outputs:
- Establishment of Counseling Centers: Two new counseling centers were opened in Bratislava and Trnava, offering social, psychological, and legal counseling services. The centers provide both outpatient and outreach support, meeting clients'' needs flexibly, including through phone and email communication.
- Education and Training for Staff: Staff members, including psychologists and social workers, were trained in areas specific to domestic and gender-based violence to improve their ability to support victims.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The project implemented various activities for public awareness, including lectures, discussions, and a media campaign with video spots, informational materials, and social media content (e.g., the "RED FLAG" campaign).
- Project Conferences: Both opening and closing conferences were held, featuring discussions and media coverage to raise awareness about the project''s work.
- Safe Spaces (Snoezelen Rooms): These sensory rooms were established within the counseling centers to provide a safe and calming environment for women and children dealing with trauma.
The project achieved results that benefited the following groups:
- Women and Children: The two new centers provided counseling and support to 175 women and children, offering them essential services to address their specific needs.
- General Public: Public outreach activities informed a broader audience about domestic and gender-based violence through discussions, information leaflets, media coverage, and the RED FLAG campaign on social networks. A dedicated website, programkalia.sk, was created to provide accessible information on gender-based violence, available help, and project updates.
- Partner Institutions and NGOs: The project established collaborations with emergency housing facilities, women’s shelters, maternity centers, and child and family centers, which helped create a more integrated support network for victims.