More information
Description
The intention of the project is to support the building of a specialized counselling center in the existing conditions of the non-profit organization BUDÚCNOSŤ, Nitra. The project brings improved and innovative practices, by providing specialized services it expands the range of possibilities to help families in domestic and gender-based violence. It responds to the current situation of persons at risk of violence in the context of addictions and their children. It offers support to address these problems in an outpatient centre with the involvement of community actors. The project provides for an increase in the professional level of primary school teachers, who will be trained during the implementation of the project. The results of the project will contribute to fast, professional and effective procedures for people in need of help. The added value is the targeting of attention to the two interrelated phenomena of violence and addiction in the life of a particular individual with the provision/offer of a comprehensive professional service.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the need for specialized services in Slovakia to assist families facing domestic and gender-based violence, particularly when intertwined with addiction. Current services focus mainly on supporting women experiencing violence and shifting public policy approaches but lack integrated solutions for the combined challenges of violence and addiction. The project introduced comprehensive procedures based on modern scientific research to provide timely and effective help to affected individuals and their children, who are the most vulnerable. It emphasized the importance of engaging community actors and school staff to address violence and addiction effectively.
The organization "Future" provided comprehensive support through over 1,000 interventions, including crisis intervention, and psychological, social, and legal counseling for 83 clients , both individually and in groups.
The project also delivered assistance to 16 children, offering psychological, special-pedagogical, and legal care through the BUDDY program. Activities with children included social and movement games, music and art therapy, creative workshops (e.g., holiday crafts, gingerbread baking), outdoor activities (e.g., feeding ducks, cinema visits, trampolines), and educational conversations.
Within the project the interior and exterior of the organization ´s premises was renovated, improving conditions for both staff and clients. Partner organization ALEJ contributed to raising the educational standards for Counselling Centre staff.
Educational sessions were provided for 234 teachers from schools in the Nitra region, focusing on identifying and addressing violence and addiction at primary school. These sessions aimed to improve their skills and competences in dealing with problematic behaviors.
Project activities and achievements were promoted through various media channels, including the project’s website, social media, local news outlets, citylight posters, online discussions, roundtable events, and collaborations with experts and institutions.
The project achieved significant results, including:
Establishment of a Specialized counseling center: A center was developed within the non-profit organization BUDÚCNOSŤ in Nitra to address violence in the context of addictions, enhancing both personnel expertise and working conditions for staff and clients.
Innovative and Comprehensive Support: New professional procedures expanded the range of specialized services for individuals at risk of violence and their children, addressing their needs more effectively.
Focus on Children: Innovative approaches were introduced to support children facing emotional distress due to their parents’ struggles with violence and addiction.
Training for Educators: Elementary school teachers were trained to recognize and address the interplay of violence and addiction, enhancing their awareness and skills.
Community Involvement: Local community actors were actively engaged in addressing these issues through the ambulatory center, fostering collaborative solutions.
Overall, the project improved the quality of life for affected individuals and their children, enhanced the skills of educators, and helped destigmatize the discussion of violence and addiction within the community.