Description
Currently, victims of domestic violence (DV) have the possibility to seek assistance at intervention centres (ICs), where they find help in a crisis situation. Victims of domestic violence are often in a very difficult situation in need of legal help from a lawyer while not being able to afford it financially. DV victims may suffer from significant psychological traumas, yet there is no subsequent psychotherapy available for them as that is beyond the capacity of ICs and requires the assistance of psychologists. Among other things, DV victims have to deal with a changed work situation, starting a new job, all of that while taking care of or coordinating care of children. DV victims, who often suffer from low self-confidence as a result of living with an aggressive partner, need individually adapted help and support from a career advisor to enter the labour market again. The main aim of the project is to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of domestic violence and to increase public awareness of this issue. Victims of domestic violence will be able to use legal assistance and psychotherapy focused on the treatment of trauma, and career guidance to promote their independence and to enter or return to the labour market. Media activities, the creation of a specialised area of the website and an information leaflet are focused on the public. Interdisciplinary collaboration and the expertise of employees wil be increased.
Summary of project results
The main motivation of the project was the fact that there are no services provided to violent persons in the South Bohemian Region. Such assistance is important to prevent domestic violence and reduce its occurrence. The aim was not only to establish such a service, but also to create a platform of organisations that encounter such people during their activities. The project goals have been achieved. Together with our partner, we have gained further education in this area and inspiration from organisations in other regions. We also began work with violent individuals. The planned outcomes involved the creation of the platform, provision of services for offenders, and raising awareness of experts and the general public on the newly established services and opportunities to help violent individuals. The target group encompassed the professional public (their active engagement was ensured by meetings and roundtable debates as well as through the distribution of informational materials), the general public (through leaflets with information on the new service and information in the media) and violent persons (who entered the assistance service in the pilot phase of the project). This activity has become part of our and our partner organisation’s normal activities, enabling us to continue providing these services without difficulty after the completion of the project.
Summary of bilateral results