Description
In Romania, the phenomenon of domestic violence is constantly growing, but the social services are inefficient, poor organized and insufficiently sustained by the national and local authorities. The objective of the project is to strength Women's Association of Sibiu County to develop and increase its contribution in the field of domestic violence, democracy and sustainable development in Sibiu community. The project will increase the social services provided by the Women's Association of Sibiu County and also will strength the organizational capacity of the association. Will be held 15 sessions of information, awareness, advocacy and consultation with the professional staff of 64 municipalities in the county of Sibiu and other public authorities. 68 victims of domestic violence will receive services provided under the project. At least 10,000 people will be informed and aware about the phenomenon of domestic violence. The project partner - The Norwegian Women and Family Association - will contribute its expertise and many years of experience in violence against women. The partnership will provide specialist expertise and develop "good practices".
Summary of project results
The project was initiated because in Sibiu County there were only two shelters for women and children victims of domestic violence, both set up and coordinated by NGOs. On the other hand, the need for these types of services was very high. During the implementation of the project, 128 beneficiaries received assistance, out of which 40 beneficiaries were housed in the Emergency Shelter for women and children victims of domestic violence, and 88 beneficiaries received specific services. The women housed in the shelter received legal advice, social and psychological counselling. With the support received here, they regained self-confidence and to continued their life without abuse. At the same time, 12 training sessions were organised for specialized personnel of public and private institutions working in the field of domestic violence in the county of Sibiu, reaching a total of 170 employees of municipalities and public/private institutions with responsibilities in preventing domestic violence. Two conferences were organized at the beginning and at the end of the project. 10.000 flyers were produced and distributed, containing educational information for persons at risk and on preventing domestic violence. A working group was set to share information and expertise to improve services for the victims of domestic violence. Experts from 108 public and private institutions in Sibiu County participated in the group. The methods of intervention provided in the Shelter were improved, a system for internal management control was implemented and 4 employees attended trainings on organizational management issues. The documents for accrediting Sibiu Women’s Association social services offered within the Emergency Shelter for women and children victims of domestic violence, was prepared during this project. The services were granted the licence and were authorized to function for the next 5 years (2016-2021).
Summary of bilateral results
The partner organization, The Norwegian Women and Family Association, made a visit to the Women's Association in Sibiu and to the shelter. Ms. Elisabeth Rusdal and Ms. Anne Marit Hovstad participated at training sessions, attended the Final Conference and contributed to the presentations on domestic violence issues in Norway at the opening and closing conferences of the project. An expert appointed by the Norwegian partner, namely Ms. Lone Johansen – from the Secretariat of crisis centers in Norway, participated in training sessions and held a presentation on the Norwegian model of intervention in prevention and assistance in domestic violence. The partner also offered suggestions for improving the website in order to attract potential sponsors.