The project responds to the problem of violence against the elderly, especially women, in the Zbroslawice municipality. The perpetrators and perpetrators of violence are most often relatives, family, caregivers and caregivers. There is neglect of dependents, economic, psychological, physical and sexual violence. During the pandemic, the problem has escalated, with 31 Blue Cards established in 2020, and 30% of the victims were women over the age of 60. However, violence remains a taboo subject. Those experiencing violence are not aware of it – especially in cases of economic or psychological violence. The local anti-violence system, in turn, contains many gaps, as it does not offer support groups for women or activities for seniors, nor does it conduct public awareness campaigns on the problem.

The Project Promoter undertook a range of activities to support senior women – intervention, information, diagnostics and advocacy. Senior women exposed to violence benefited from free psychological and legal counseling. Members of Senior Women’s Clubs from 5 small towns in the region took part in workshops on human rights, anti-violence, equal opportunities, as well as relaxation workshops, support groups and self-help groups. In turn, for those working in non-governmental organizations, the Police and local government units dealing with counter-violence, the Grantee organized training sessions and initiated inter-institutional partnerships. These activities were accompanied by a local campaign on the phenomenon of violence and the support offered.

The Project Promoter filled a gap in the local anti-violence system by offering a series of intervention, information, diagnostic and advocacy activities. Recipients of the project were primarily women over 60 years of age exposed to violence, who raised their knowledge of their rights, learned to recognize violence and discrimination, and received adequate support. Those working in the institutions of the anti-violence system (30 people) improved their competence in working with victims of violence and senior women, including in conducting and implementing the Blue Card. As a result of the project, recommendations that were used to amend the municipal program for counteracting domestic violence. Thanks to the activities, the quality of the support offered in the municipal program against violence has increased.