VENUS project - Counseling center for preventing and combating domestic violence in Galati
About this good practice
The National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men (ANES) runs in partnership with 42 specialized institutions from the local public administration level (General Directorates of social assistance and child protection and social assistance directorates), the project: "VENUS - Together for a safe life!", co-financed from the Human Capital Operational Program 2014-2020, according to POCU contract: 465/4/4/128038.
General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection Galați, project partner, implemented the pilot action "Counseling center for preventing and combating domestic violence".
During the course of the project, they focused their activities on:
- Counseling and social guidance;
- Psychological counselling/individual and group psychotherapy;
- Legal advice;
- Drafting and preparing the file for the court in order to obtain the protection order;
- Assisting the victim before the court in order to obtain the protection order, procedural phase substantive and appeal;
- Assisting the victim in front of legal forces, if necessary;
- Drafting of criminal complaints and other legal documents;
- Writing addresses/requests to related institutions/organizations;
- Informing the victim about other rights of her or minor children;
- Vocational counseling and support for integration into the labor market.
Resources needed
Human resources from the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection Galați/National Authority for the Protection of Children's Rights and Adoption/Galați County Police Inspectorate Galați.
The project was implemented between 2019-2023 and is under monitoring, for 3 years.
Evidence of success
At local level, the quality of life increased for 143 women, the positive impact being visible on the health, state of mind, self esteem.
At national level, 4410 victims have benefited from the services provided by the Venus project: sheltered housing, psychological counseling, vocational counseling.
A HELPLINE managed by ANES counselors, for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, gender discrimination or multiple discrimination is a free service, valid 24/7.
Potential for learning or transfer
In Romania, the support generally given to victims of violence is given by friends and relatives and not by a specialized environment. Socially isolated victims must find their own solutions to overcome their situation. Thus, by popularizing the project at county and national level, information was disseminated that reached various victims who managed to find solutions and they no longer felt isolated.
In conclusion, the way institutions act on the phenomenon of violence is one of the determining factors that make a difference.
The practice could also apply to any other EU country and adapted, according to national legislation. On the project website, there are key lessons learned from the project implementation, as well as testimonials and success stories from the project beneficiaries. This information can contribute to the transfer process of the good practice.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.