International Project: Ekaterinberg RUSSIA
Since
1999, The Haven has been developing a relationship
with the crisis centre “Ekaterina”, which supports
women and children experiencing Domestic Violence in Ekaterinburg,
Sverdlovsk Area, Russia. The centre’s help-line responds
to more than 2000 referrals per year. Social, psychological and
legal support services are delivered to survivors. |
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The partnership
is rewarding and enriching for both parties. “Ekaterina” learns
from The Haven’s vast and diverse experience in providing services
to women and children affected by Domestic Violence. The Haven is inspired
by the example of its overseas partner, which works in very difficult conditions,
with extremely limited resources. Although the expression “Domestic
Violence” is used by women’s organisations and others, it “has
not found its way into the legal codes of the Russian Federation”.
The scale of domestic violence is vast, but there is poor support and protection
from law enforcement agencies. Like The Haven Wolverhampton, “Ekaterina” realises
the importance of building partnerships with voluntary and statutory sectors
in a joint effort to tackle Domestic Violence and an attempt to make political
and social changes.
Domestic
violence is a criminal act, which must be dealt with accordingly.
Women have the right to live without violence and there is a need to “prioritise
women’s rights in judicial and non-judicial mechanisms” (Amnesty
International). The three year project, funded by Big Lottery, International
Grants, aims to influence the attitude, perception and opinion of the
general public and professionals e.g. Lawyers and JPs (Justice
of Peace) in responding to domestic violence cases. An essential element
of this project will be educating JPs and other stakeholders to understand
the issues related to domestic violence. The project aims to support
women affected by domestic violence to make independent choices about
whether and how to proceed with charges and cases against violations
of their human rights. The project will ensure that women are supported
in taking forward their cases and that the cases progress as quickly
as possible to hearing.
Over the
next three years, a joint response mechanism to domestic violence cases
between Lawyers, JPs and the Crisis Centre “Ekaterina” will
be developed. Partnerships will be built with other Non Governmental Organisations
in the Sverdlovsk area to distribute good practice, information and training
resources. The non-governmental sector of support services for women and
children is at an initial stage of development in the area, and the interaction
and collaboration with state agencies is very important.
NGOs
in Russia do not have financial support from the government.
They lack funds and the power to implement measures to prevent
violence against women and children in the family. Capacity building
of the crisis centre “Ekaterina” will help to increase
its status and enable its voice to be heard when strategies and
policies concerning the human rights of women and children experiencing
domestic violence are developed. “Ekaterina” aims
to sign joint agreements with law enforcement agencies to ensure
speedy and effective justice and a co-ordinated support service
for victims. The project has established protection and justice
targets which will be carefully monitored throughout its development. |
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The Haven
Wolverhampton was one of the first agencies that developed an accredited
Domestic Violence Training Programme. One of the units is called “Supporting
Victims of Domestic Violence through the Criminal Justice System”.
The Haven has a trained Advocacy Worker and works closely with WDVF (Wolverhampton
Domestic Violence Forum) in influencing domestic violence strategy and
policy in Wolverhampton. This experience will allow The Haven to continue
to support
the valuable work of our overseas colleagues in their struggle for justice
for vulnerable women and children. Domestic violence is “not a private
matter but affects society as a whole” (Amnesty International),
and developing strategies at an international level is becoming increasingly
important.
Elvira Wilson
Project Manager
External Training Team:
Alison/Andrea
The Training Department began the new year by delivering 'Domestic
Violence in the Workplace' Awareness Training to Wolverhampton
City Council in January. They have recently implemented
a policy that seeks to protect and support employees who may be victims
of Domestic Violence, and training was requested to maximise its effectiveness.
We look forward to delivering yet more programmes in June.
When
you consider that 3-5 children in every classroom are living with
Domestic Violence (Ruth Atkien, Psychologist and Policy
Adviser to Refuge, 2004), it makes sound sense that schools provide
children with the right support, and that teachers are trained in
good practice measures.
Highfields
Science Specialist School facilitated an inset day dedicated to the “Every
Child Matters” agenda. Organisations provided different
workshops, including The Haven Wolverhampton’s Training
Department. Three groups of up to 25 teachers were given DV Awareness
Training - we received some very good feedback.
We hope that soon, all schools will have the resources to train their
staff and support their pupils in this area, and we look forward to working
with other schools.
We were commissioned to provide awareness raising days in the South Staffordshire area attended by Teachers, Education Welfare Officers, Health Professionals and individuals. These sessions were very well received and serve to point out the growing realisation that children may be significantly harmed by living with Domestic Violence.
Children
are now seen as primary victims in these situations.
Training has also recently been provided for Wolverhampton Health Authority.
These included A & E Staff, Midwives and other Health Professionals.
Tthese too have been a resounding success - we commend Wolverhampton
Health Authority for its progressive attitude towards this subject,
and for
ensuring that they provide the best service they can for victims and
survivors of Domestic Violence.
The Haven Wolverhampton continues to offer multi agency training days. These provide a chance for individuals to access Domestic Violence Awareness Training at a reasonable cost. It also offers employers who do not wish to commission training within their organisation to identify a small number of staff to attend.
We will shortly be offering these days as OCN accredited training as part
of the further development of our existing accredited training programme.
We continue
to receive requests for training from across a wide geographical area
and are happy to discuss any combination of key areas for bespoke training
packages. Our ethos is to help promote understanding
of the impact that even the smallest intervention can
have on the lives of women and children fleeing abuse.
Some facts
For women aged between 16 - 44 years, Domestic Violence is deemed to
be the major cause of death & invalidity, ahead of cancer, road
accidents and war. (Council of Europe, 2002)
Domestic Violence often starts or intensifies during pregnancy. (Mezey, G C. 'Domestic violence in pregnancy', Bewley, S et al. Violence Against Women. London: RCOG, 1997.)
Pregnancy was
seen as an opportune time to ask about Domestic Violence as some women
commented that it made them think seriously about their future and how
their children might be affected in the long-term. (Dr Mezey, G C and Dr
Bewley, S. An Exploration of the Prevalence and Effects of Domestic
Violence in Pregnancy. London: ESRC. 2000. p 27. ) |
Volunteers'
Week :- A
national event from 1st June – 7th June 2006
Our
annual Volunteer of The Year Awards were held on Wednesday 7th June,
Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, to tie in with the national event.
This year The Haven had 9 Volunteers nominated (due
to their commitment and length of service); each received an award.
The Volunteers were presented
with a certificate by Councillor Phil Bateman, in recognition of their
continuous efforts and work. Congratulations and well done to our nominees,
I wish them well and hope was a memorable experience and acknowledgement
of their selfless volunteering at The Haven Wolverhampton.
If
you'd like to get involved in our volunteering programme, please
contact Eleanor Britton on 01902 572169.
Eleanor Britton
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Carver Wolverhampton City Marathon
Half Marathon, Relay Challenge and Cycle Event
Sunday 3rd September 2006
If you’d like to support The Haven by getting involved in our team action, please call Ros on 01902 572146 for further details.
Can you help support women and children escaping Domestic Violence through The Haven Wolverhampton’s many projects? Please contact Ros on 01902 572146.
Recycle your old mobile phone in support of women and children escaping Domestic Violence
The Haven has teamed up with Aurom Environmental to raise funds and protect the environment through recycling spare mobile phones. If you would like to help and have a redundant mobile phone just pop it in an envelope and post to Freepost RLSE-RCBY-XEKX, Aurom Limited, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7JX, remembering to quote ‘The Haven Wolverhampton’. We will receive an average of £5 for each phone that is donated. For more information please contact Ros on 01902 572146 or Aurom on 01527 908046
A
huge THANK YOU to all our avid supporters, too numerous to mention,
who continue to support our various seasonal appeals and activities
- such as the Christmas Appeal, International Women’s Week, Easter
Egg Appeal, Summer Play Programme, Half Term activities and Harvest
Festival.
Without
your efforts,
as an organisation,
we would be unable to deliver the professional services required by women
and children throughout their recovery process from the effects of Domestic
Violence.
Please
continue to support our everyday activities which enrich the lives of those
seeking refuge at our safe Haven!!! |
