To alleviate the impacts of COVID-19 policies, many initiatives have been developed by civil society organisations – NGOs, local governments, or citizens. A team of national researchers from the RESISTIRÉ project has collected and highlighted a set of particularly relevant initiatives in 27 European countries and in Iceland, Serbia, the United Kingdom and Turkey. These Better Stories cover eight specific domains: gender-based violence, the labour market, the economy, gender-pay and pension gaps, gender care gaps, decision-making and politics, environmental justice, human and fundamental rights.
This Better Story was collected by Raili Marling
A programme to break the cycle of domestic violence
The project, funded by the EU’s Local Development and Poverty Reduction programme and Norway Grants, is a collaborative effort between various NGOs dedicated to addressing domestic violence, including organizations like The Women’s Support and Information Center and the Pärnu Women’s Support Centre. Joining forces with Icelandic partners, the initiative aims to provide comprehensive training in five major regions of Estonia. The primary objective is to sensitize front-line workers to recognize signs of domestic violence, while also emphasizing the significance of prevention and the avoidance of re-victimization.
Through this project, a key goal is to raise awareness regarding the root causes, consequences, and available support options related to domestic violence. By equipping professionals with the necessary training, they are empowered to not only address the immediate consequences but also actively contribute to prevention efforts. This proactive approach enables experts to intervene at the early stages of violence, where the potential for reversing the damage is greater and the mental well-being of potential survivors can be safeguarded before enduring prolonged suffering.
Prevention strategies implementation
To effectively combat this pressing issue, it is crucial to foster strong collaboration among various professionals who regularly come into contact with victims. Beyond specialized practitioners, such as support centers, local authorities, and victim/survivor assistance workers, the project also seeks to engage partners like family doctors, nurses, and court representatives. By involving a wide range of stakeholders, the project endeavors to create a comprehensive support network that can effectively address domestic violence and provide holistic assistance to those affected.