There are few non-governmental organisations specialising in equality and human rights in the Podkarpackie voivodship. The organisation is the only institution actively supporting women in the region. For this reason, such issues as respect for women’s rights, including effective household violence prevention, are not sufficiently recognised. The organisation’s monitoring exercises have proven that the scale of household violence based on deeply rooted gender-related stereotypes is considerable, whereas municipalities are not performing properly in terms of protecting women against violence and discrimination.
The project purpose was to empower women in the Podkarpackie region, and to offer support to female household violence victims.
Consequently, 607 persons expanded their knowledge of social and cultural premises for violence; psychological and legal aid was provided to female violence victims.
The project was implemented in 32 municipalities of the Podkarpackie voivodship: 14 WenDo self-defence and assertiveness workshops were delivered for 190 women. Thirty-two educational meetings were organised for local communities (507 participants attending); a film on women’s rights was followed by discussion. A brochure on household violence containing practical information for potential victims was drafted and distributed. Just under 500 h of psychological and legal assistance were offered directly to women experiencing violence in personal relationships. A support group was organised, and court cases were observed (386 cases were observed). Two amicus curiae opinions were drafted and filed.
Project beneficiaries included 190 female WenDo workshop participants, 507 educational meeting attendants, and 91 female beneficiaries of psychological and/or legal aid.