Staggering one-in-four women have experienced sexual violence, estimates the World Health Organisation. But as the process can be tough on the victims, only a few assaults are reported to the police. To add to the struggle, the risk of being victim-blamed, not believed or otherwise mistreated is significant. A new project in Romania is looking at ways to making the process as easy as possible on the victims β and it starts by tackling the issue from all angles.
Ten integrated intervention centres for victims of sexual violence will be established across Romania. Each of these centres will host a multidisciplinary team of specialists, providing a range of services, from emergency medical and post-traumatic care to psychological and legal counselling and social services.
This will minimise the burden on the victim, making the process of bringing their aggressor to justice somewhat easier. The first of the ten centres opened its doors in May at the University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest. The centre is fitted with adequate medical equipment, as well as kits for collecting biological samples.
During the course of the project, ten integrated service centres for victims of sexual violence will be established in Bucharest, Slobozia, Timisoara, Craiova, Sibiu, Braila, Piatra-Neamt, Bacau, Constanta and Satu Mare. Within the project, ANES wants to create a holistic approach to tackling sexual violence.
In addition to the intervention centres, the project promoter plans to set up eight counselling centres for the perpetrators. Attention will be paid to violence against women in Roma communities. Finally, they plan to train specialists involved in preventing and fighting violence against women. The partners will play a major role in helping train specialists and sharing their expertise in providing services for victims of gender-based violence, including counselling on anger management for perpetrators.
