More information
Description
Data from various surveys shows that one in three women in Bulgaria has been a victim of domestic violence, which account for more than 38 000 women in Haskovo District (one in three women out of 115 346 in total as per the official NSI statistics for 2019). Against this backdrop, it is not more than approximately 300 women per year who seek help according to data gathered by our organization. The latter is a clear sign of the need to raise public awareness about domestic violence and improve cooperation between the organizations supporting the victims. The social isolation during the pandemic placed the victims of domestic violence in the particularly vulnerable position of being in constant contact with the abusers without being able to distance themselves or escape. The latter is proved by the high number of received domestic violence alerts and the high number of people who sought help from our organization (72 people in the period March– August 2020 compared to 48 in the same period in 2019). With the pilot use of the Coordination Mechanism for Help and Protection of Domestic Violence Victims, our organization plans to establish cooperation between all institutions and organizations at local level that are involved in providing support to victims of domestic violence. The information campaign and the planned training sessions held will increase the sensitivity of the public and the institutions about the issue and help provide timely protection to the victims. The target groups are the representatives of the Ministry of Interior, the judiciary, the prosecution, Social Assistance Directorates, Child Protection Departments, social services, NGOs, health institutions, schools and municipalities and the direct users will be victims of domestic violence.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to enhance cooperation among all institutions and organizations in Haskovo district that support victims of domestic violence. It also sought to raise public awareness on gender-based violence through advocacy and communication campaigns and to increase the sensitivity of institutional representatives involved in addressing the issue.
As part of the project, a Coordination Mechanism for Support and Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence was developed and adopted, clearly defining the responsibilities of each institution and local organization involved in assisting victims.
A broad audience was reached through informational posts on the organization’s website, Facebook profile, and local media, ensuring that the community was well-informed about the project, its planned activities, and its results. The project successfully raised awareness on gender-based violence and the necessary actions for prevention and victim protection.
Additionally, printed leaflets were produced and distributed, providing information on how to recognize domestic violence, its various forms, and where victims can seek help.
The project also included:
- Seven training sessions, enhancing the capacity of 70 representatives from relevant institutions and organizations.
- Advocacy and communication campaigns focused on domestic and gender-based violence, increasing institutional and public sensitivity on these critical issues.
A significant outcome of the project was the establishment of a District Council for the Protection and Prevention of Domestic Violence, composed of representatives from key institutions and local organizations. The council will meet every six months under the auspices of the District Governor to monitor and coordinate efforts in tackling domestic violence.
The Coordination Mechanism has a long-term vision, ensuring the sustainability of practices that provide support and protection for victims of domestic violence, as well as ongoing institutional collaboration within Haskovo district.