This project addresses the issue of domestic violence in the Warmińsko-Mazurski voivodship. During the pandemic, the number of cases of reported violence has risen dramatically – almost 6 000 Blue Cards are created every month. However, these statistics do not show the true scale of the problem. Moreover, local government support to prevent domestic violence is steadily decreasing. No preventative measures are taken in the region, and the range of help available is being steadily reduced. Within the voivodship, there is only one abuse victim shelter, and most of the seven crisis support centres currently in operation are only open for a few hours per day.
The Project Promoter will operate a 24-hour support centre for victims of domestic violence. The help available will include legal advice, psychological counselling, and therapeutic support – one-on-one and in groups, and rental and adaptation of a residence for violence victims (women and children). There will also be therapy for abusers. The Project Promoter will conduct an awareness-raising campaign aimed both at victims of violence and local government authorities, including representatives of municipal interdisciplinary teams, social workers, police, and welfare officers. People working in the local violence prevention system will be trained on Blue Card procedures, information exchange, and cooperation between institutions.
Primarily, women experiencing domestic violence will benefit. 120 people will get real psychological, legal, and therapeutic support and improve belief in themselves, their self-esteem, and their sense of agency and influence. The local violence prevention system will also be improved.
The project partner is the Olsztyn Helpline Association, which is the first point of contact for women and operates the confidential helpline.