This project addresses the issue of hate speech and discrimination, and violence towards women. Both of these problems are alarmingly common in Poland. Unfortunately, people who are abused are often unable to get free help. Meanwhile, hate speech is widespread and is thus becoming normalized, and society is increasing acquiescent towards hateful content. More than 95% of young people encounter hate on the Internet, and slightly fewer encounter it in conversations and public places. At the same time, education specialists do not have competencies to conduct awareness measures to counter hate speech.
The Project Promoter will provide one-on-one support for abused women and prepare awareness and self-improvement measures for children and young people, teachers, and women. 120 people will benefit from a helpline, free psychological counselling and legal and therapeutic advice, and crisis support. Women at risk of violence will also have a psychoeducation and self-improvement group. Young people, including young Roma people, will participate in classes on countering hate speech, while teachers will participate in training on lessons on hate speech, on the basis of a film for children.
The project is aimed mainly at abused women, but also at children and young people at risk of hate speech and encountering hateful content. 140 women will get real psychological, legal, and therapeutic support and improve belief in themselves, their self-esteem, and their sense of agency and influence, and develop conflict resolution skills. Meanwhile, children and young people will learn what hate speech and discrimination is, its consequences, and how to react to it. Teachers will improve their competencies to hold lessons on combating hate speech in schools.