theory and practice in the eu · this report is the final product of the ws 1 – comparative...

Co-funded by the Rights, Equality and Citizenship (REC)

Programme of the European Union

WOMEN’S ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE, THE WAY OUT OF

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

Theory and practice in the EU

IRS –Istitute for Social ResearchMIGS – Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies

September 2016

WE GO! Women Economic-independence & Growth OpportunityJUST/2014/RDAP/AG/VICT/7365

JUST/2014/RDAP/AG/VICT/7365

2

TABLEOFCONTENTSINTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................................3

1. CONCEPTSANDDEFINITIONS..........................................................................................................................3

1.1. Understandingintimatepartnerviolence – Definitions...............................................................8

1.2. Economicabuse,economicindependenceandeconomicempowerment........................10

2. ECONOMICEMPOWERMENTSUPPORTSERVICESINANTI-VIOLENCECENTRES................12

2.1. Economicempowermentsupportservicesinanti-violencecentREs.................................12

2.2. Economicempowermentsupportservicesintheprojectanti-violencecentREs..........17

3. GOOD PRACTICES TO EMPOWERWOMENWHOHAVE SUFFERED INTIMATE PARTNERVIOLENCE................................................................................................................................................................22

3.1. Theconceptofgoodpracticeandthemethodologiesforitsidentification......................22

3.2. Goodpracticesexamples.........................................................................................................................25

Annex1...............................................................................................................................................................................29

Annex2-Selectionofpractices“withpotential”foreconomicindependence-WEGO................39


3

INTRODUCTION

This report is the final product of the WS 1 – COMPARATIVE RESEARCH ANALYSIS. Inparticular, it refers to the implementation of Activity 1.1, Research Activity Kick Off andcomprises:

Ø deskresearchanalysis(literaturereviewandcollectionofexistingstudiesaroundeconomicempowermentservicesinanti-violencecentres)

Ø identificationofnationalstudies,documents,etc.Ø identificationof:

v national approaches towards economic issues/empowerment within intimatepartner violencewider approach and (possible) good existingpractices in thefield

v presenceofcollectionofdatasystemsinplacewithintheanti-violencecentresv coverage of economic issues/addressing economic empowerment within theanti-violencecentres.

Deskresearchhastakenplacethroughoutthesearchforrelatedarticles.Thesearchwasmadeusinganumberofjournals,bookchapters,articles,policypapersfromNGOs,internationalandEuropean bodies and organisations from different databases including Google Scholar.Searched words included “intimate partner violence”, “domestic violence”, “gender-basedviolence”, “economic independence”, “economic empowerment” “services anti-violence centres”,“services shelters”, “financial support”, “economic abuse”. Further and in relation to goodpractices for services in anti-violence centres and shelters,MIGS and IRS contacteddifferentnetworks that are working on violence against women issues, for example the EuropeanWomen’s Lobby (EWL) and Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE). Project partnersinformedusof existingdocuments that include informationonnational approaches towardseconomicissues/empowermentwithinintimatepartnerviolenceand(possible)existinggoodpractices in the field through the filling in of an ad-hoc questionnaires, telephone calls andemailexchanges.

1. CONCEPTSANDDEFINITIONS

Anumberoflegislativeeffortsoninternationallevelhavetakenplacethroughouttheyearsinordertocombatviolenceagainstwomen.StartingfromtheConventionofontheEliminationofall Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)1 in 1979 which although does not 1 Convention of on the Elimination of all Forms of Violence against Women (CEDAW)http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CEDAW.aspx.


4

explicitly mention violence against women, however in its general recommendations andspecificallyrecommendations12and19clarifythat theConvention includesviolenceagainstwomenandmakesdetailedrecommendationstoStateparties.In1993somehistoricalstepsweremadetopromoteandprotectthehumanrightsofwomen.During the World Conference on Human Rights2,VAW was recognised as a human rightsviolationandcalledfortheappointmentofaSpecialRapporteuronViolenceagainstWomenintheVienna Declaration and Programme of Action. This have contributed greatly to the firstDeclarationontheEliminationofViolenceagainstWomen3laterin1993whichbasicallyisthefirsteverinternationalinstrumentwhichexplicitlyaddressVAWandprovidesaframeworkfornationalandinternationalactions.Specifically theDeclaration is recognizingVAWas a human rights violation and it states therecognitions of “universal application to women of the rights and principles with regard toequality, security, liberty, integrity anddignity of all humanbeings”.TheDeclarationdefinesviolenceagainstwomen:

“as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical,sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts,coercionorarbitrarydeprivationof liberty,whetheroccurring inpublicor inprivatelife”.

Anotherwin forwomen’s rightswithregards toVAWcame in1994during the InternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopment4wherethelinksbetweenreproductivehealthandviolence against women were made. Moving on to 1995 the historical Beijing Platform ofAction5whichhas identifiedspecificactionsforGovernmentstotakeinordertopreventandrespond to VAW and girls. Ending violence against women is one of the areas for priorityaction.TheBeijingPlatform forActiongivesanexpandeddefinitionofVAWand includesallwomen from all ethnic backgrounds and legal status, including women more vulnerable toviolence:

“The term "violence against women" means any act of gender-based violence thatresultsin,orislikelytoresultin,physical,sexualorpsychologicalharmorsufferingtowomen, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty,whether occurring in public or private life. Accordingly, violence against womenencompassesbutisnotlimitedtothefollowing:

a. Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family, includingbattering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry-related violence,marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful towomen,non-spousalviolenceandviolencerelatedtoexploitation;b. Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the generalcommunity,includingrape,sexualabuse,sexualharassmentandintimidationatwork,in educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking in women and forcedprostitution;

2WorldConferenceonHumanRightshttp://www.ohchr.org/EN/ABOUTUS/Pages/ViennaWC.aspx3 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Womenhttp://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/48/1044InternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopmentathttp://www.un.org/popin/icpd2.htm5BeijingPlatformofActionathttp://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/platform/violence.htm


5

c. Physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetrated or condoned by theState,whereveritoccurs”.

In2002,theCouncilofEurope6defines,violenceagainstwomenas:

any act of gender-based violence, which results in, or is likely to result in,physical,sexualorpsychologicalharmorsufferingtowomen,includingthreatsofsuchacts,coercion,orarbitrarydeprivationofliberty,whetheroccurringinpublicorprivatelife.

Anotherstepforwardandmostrecentdevelopmentcamein2011withtheCouncilofEuropeConventiononpreventingandcombatingviolenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence7.Theconventionwasdraftedbasedontheunderstandingthatviolenceagainstwomenisaformofgender-basedviolencethatiscommittedagainstwomenbecausetheyarewomen.

Accordingto theCoEConvention“It is theobligationof thestates to fullyaddress it inall itsforms and to take measures to prevent violence against women, protect their victims andprosecutetheperpetrators.Failuretodosowouldmakeittheresponsibilityofthestate”.Theconventionleavesnodoubt:therecanbenorealequalitybetweenwomenandmenifwomenexperience gender-based violence on a large-scale and state agencies and institutions turn ablindeye.TherelevantdefinitionsprovidedintheaforementionedConventionarethefollowing:

“violenceagainstwomen”isunderstoodasaviolationofhumanrightsandaformofdiscriminationagainstwomenandshallmeanallactsofgender-basedviolencethatresultin,orarelikelytoresultin,physical,sexual,psychologicaloreconomicharmorsufferingtowomen,includingthreatsofsuchacts,coercionorarbitrarydeprivationofliberty,whetheroccurringinpublicorinprivatelife;“gender-based violence against women” shall mean violence that is directedagainst a woman because she is a woman or that affects womendisproportionately;

Last, the conventionurges parties to takemeasures for the empowerment andeconomicindependenceofwomenvictimsofviolence.This isparticularly relevant forEUcountrieswithafemaleunemploymentrateabovetheEUaverage.

6DefinitioncontainedinAppendixtoCouncilofEuropeRecommendationRec(2002)5oftheCommitteeofMinisterstoMemberStatesontheprotectionofwomenagainstviolence.7https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168046031c.


6

ThisapproachwasfollowedbytheEuropeanParliamentandtheCouncil8whichdefinegender-basedviolence(GBV)asfollows:

Violence that is directed against a person because of that person's gender,gender identity or gender expression or that affects persons of a particulargender disproportionately, is understood as gender-based violence. It mayresultinphysical,sexual,emotionalorpsychologicalharm,oreconomicloss,tothevictim.Gender-basedviolenceisunderstoodtobeaformofdiscriminationandaviolationofthefundamentalfreedomsofthevictimandincludesviolencein close relationships, sexual violence (including rape, sexual assault andharassment), trafficking in human beings, slavery, and different forms ofharmfulpractices, suchas forcedmarriages, femalegenitalmutilationandso-called honour crimes. Women victims of gender-based violence and theirchildrenoftenrequirespecialsupportandprotectionbecauseofthehighriskofsecondaryandrepeatvictimisation,ofintimidationandofretaliationconnectedwithsuchviolence.

The termsgender-basedviolence andviolenceagainstwomen areused interchangeablymanytimes in literature, inpracticeandpolicy.However, the termgender-basedviolencerefers toviolencedirectedagainstapersonbecauseofherorhisgenderandtheexpectationsof theirroleinasociety.Gender-basedviolencehighlightsthegenderdimensionofthesetypesofacts;in other words, and according to the UN-Women9, the relationship between females’subordinate status in society and their increased vulnerability to violence. Last, violenceagainstwomen is affectingwomen and girls disproportionately because of their gender andtheirbiologicalsex.Thereforebothtermsareusedinterchangeablythroughoutthedocument.Violenceagainstwomenisrootedinasystemofpracticesandlegislationswhichapprovetherightsandactiveeffortsofmentodominateandexertcontroloverwomen,regardingthelatteras their property10.Domestic violence is themost common formof violence againstwomen.Violenceagainstspousesisanepidemicofglobalproportions,theconsequencesofwhicharecatastrophiconaphysical,emotional,economicandsocial levelforwomen,children,familiesandsocietiesallovertheworld11.

8Directive2012/29/EUoftheEuropeanParliamentandoftheCouncilof25October2012establishingminimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing CouncilFrameworkDecision2001/220/JHA.9 UN Women http://www.endvawnow.org/en/articles/295-defining-violence-against-women-and-girls.html.10 Maynard, M. (1989) ‘Privilege and patriarchy: Feminist thought in the nineteenth century’, in S.MendusandJ.Rendall(eds),Sexualityandsubordination.London:RoutledgeandKeganPaul.11Bridging the gap: Solidarity and support forwomen. An awareness-raising tool for the social/labour(re)integrationofwomenvictimsofviolence,MediterraneanInstituteforGenderStudies/MIGS,CentreforResearchonWomen'sIssues“DIOTIMA”,co-financedbytheEuropeanSocialFundwithintheframeof Action 3 “Local actions for the social integration of vulnerable groups” of Intervention Category 1:“Preventingandaddressingsocialexclusionofvulnerablepopulationgroups”of theThematicPriorityAxis 4: “Full integration of the all human resources in an equal opportunities society”, OperationalProgramme“HumanResourcesDevelopment”2007 – 2013.


7

According to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) violence against women iswidespread in Europe and the scale of intimate partner violence is alarming. In 2014, FRAreported12 that 22% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in arelationshipwithaman.Basedonthesamereport,practiceshowsthatwomenoftenremaininsuchrelationshipsbecauseoftheirfinancialdependenceandthatoftheirchildren.Thereportfurther notes that “victims are both economically and socially vulnerable, who requirefinancial support to leave a violent relationship”. The FRA results report that 39% ofwomen who left a violent partner suffer more financial strain than women who have notexperienced physical/sexual violence (26%). Programmes for social inclusion and economicreliefofvictimsarerareasthefocusisusuallyonprovidingimmediateassistancesuchasaccommodationandlegaladvice.A fewstepshavebeen takenatEU level in relation to thesupportof thevictimssuchas theadoption of the directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support andprotectionofvictimsofcrime13.TheDirectivestatesthat:

…violencecommittedinacloserelationship,itiscommittedbyapersonwhoisa current or former spouse, or partner or other familymember of the victim,whetherornottheoffendersharesorhassharedthesamehouseholdwiththevictim. Such violence could cover physical, sexual, psychological or economicviolence and could result in physical,mental or emotional harm or economicloss.Violenceincloserelationshipsisaseriousandoftenhiddensocialproblemwhich could cause systematic psychological and physical trauma with severeconsequencesbecausetheoffenderisapersonwhomthevictimshouldbeableto trust.Victimsofviolence inclose relationshipsmay thereforebe inneedofspecial protection measures. Women are affected disproportionately by thistypeofviolenceand thesituationcanbeworse if thewoman isdependentontheoffendereconomically,sociallyorasregardsherrighttoresidence.

Womenandchildrenlivinginviolentenvironmentsoftenfacepovertytrapsthathindertheirability to escape such violence and rebuild their lives. According to a report byWAVE, thepovertytrapsleadvictimsofviolenceandtheirchildrentosocialexclusion.Thatis:theimpactofviolenceonwomen’shealth;exclusionfromeducationandlife-longlearning;limitedaccesstothelabourmarketleadingtoreducedeconomicresources;dependencyonpublicassistance;homelessness;single-parenthood;and,formigrantwomen,theriskofbeingdeportedand/orotherwise excluded from public support and assistance due to their migrant status.Contributingtotheabovearethestructuralinequalitiesfacedbywomenatalllevels,includingtheirmarginalisedpositioninthelabourmarket,thepersistentwagegapbetweenwomenandmen,lackofhighqualitylowcostchildcare,amongothers.Thesetranslateintolowerpensionsforwomenandgreaterdependencyonpublicassistanceandotherwelfareprovisions.Women 12EuropeanUnionAgencyforFundamentalRights,Violenceagainstwomen:anEUsurvey,mainresults,2014.http://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra-2014-vaw-survey-main-results-apr14_en.pdf.13Directive2012/29/EUoftheEuropeanParliamentandoftheCouncilof25October2012establishingminimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing CouncilFrameworkDecision2001/220/JHA.http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32012L0029&from=EN.


8

experiencing domestic violence, especially after a separation, are vulnerable to poverty fornumerousreasons.Inthemajorityofcasestheyarewithoutfinancialmeans,withoutaplacetolive,andaccesstothelabourmarketisespeciallydifficultforthem.Thesituationisevenmoreprecarious formigrantwomenwhose legal status isoften linked to theperpetratorand thusmaybepreventedfromaccessingpublicbenefitsand/orriskdeportation14.Basedontheabovecertainstepsneedtobetakeninordertomeetthemainaimoftheproject,which is to strengthen support services for women victims by focusing on the training andadvisoryservicesthatshelters/women’scentresoffertowomenvictims.Itisimportanttofirstunderstandtheconceptsusedinacademiaandpolicy inrelationto intimatepartnerviolenceand identify best practices used in shelters and centres for the economic empowerment ofwomenvictimsofIPV.1.1. UNDERSTANDINGINTIMATEPARTNERVIOLENCE – DEFINITIONSInmanycountriestheterm“intimatepartnerviolence”isincludedunder“domesticviolence”,amoregeneralterm,sinceitreferstopartnerviolence,butcanalsoencompasschildorelderabuse,orabusebyanymemberofahousehold.TheWEGOprojectwillspecificallyfocusoninterventionstosupportvictimsofIPVconsideringthatIPVisaformofviolencethataffectswomendisproportionately.Oomsetal.definedIPVasa pattern of coercive behaviour in which one person attempts to control another throughthreatsoractualuseofphysicalviolence,sexualviolence,verbalandemotionalabuse,stalking,andeconomicabuse15.AmorecomprehensivedefinitionisthatusedbytheWorldHealthOrganisation(WHO),whichdefinesIPVasoneofthemostcommonformsofviolenceagainstwomenandincludesphysical,sexual, and emotional abuse and controlling behaviours by an intimate partner16. Morespecifically:

IPVoccurs inall settingsandamongall socio-economic, religiousandculturalgroups.TheoverwhelmingglobalburdenofIPVisbornebywomen.IPVrefersto any behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical,psychological or sexual harm to those in the relationship. Acts of physicalviolence includesasslapping,hitting,kickingandbeatingandsexualviolence,includes forced sexual intercourse and other forms of sexual coercion.Emotional (psychological) abuse can include insults, belittling, constanthumiliation, intimidation (e.g. destroying things), threats of harm, threats to

14Pavlou&Kaili (2010)React todomesticviolencebuildinga support system forvictimsofdomesticviolence,MIGS.http://www.medinstgenderstudies.org/wp-content/uploads/REACT_ENG.pdf.15 Hahn, A. S., and Porstmus, L. J. (2014) Economic empowerment of impoverished IPV Survivors: Areviewofbestpracticeliteratureandimplicationsforpolicy,inTrauma,ViolenceandAbuse,I5(2),79 – 93,SagePublications.http://tva.sagepub.com/content/15/2/79.full.pdf+html.16http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/77432/1/WHO_RHR_12.36_eng.pdf.


9

take away children. Controlling behaviour includes isolating a person fromfamily and friends; monitoring their movements; and restricting access tofinancialresources,employment,educationormedicalcare.

The directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support andprotection of victims of crime, although not using the words intimate partner violence,provides the definition of violence committed in a close relationship explaining that suchviolence:

… is committedbyapersonwho is a currentor former spouse,orpartnerorother familymemberof thevictim,whetherornot theoffendersharesorhassharedthesamehouseholdwiththevictim.Suchviolencecouldcoverphysical,sexual,psychologicaloreconomicviolenceandcouldresultinphysical,mentaloremotionalharmoreconomicloss.Violenceincloserelationshipsisaseriousand often hidden social problem which could cause systematic psychologicalandphysicaltraumawithsevereconsequencesbecausetheoffenderisapersonwhom the victim should be able to trust. Victims of violence in closerelationshipsmaythereforebeinneedofspecialprotectionmeasures.Womenareaffecteddisproportionatelybythistypeofviolenceandthesituationcanbeworse if thewoman isdependenton theoffendereconomically, sociallyor asregardsherrighttoresidence.

Last,itshouldbenotedthatalthoughtheCouncilofEuropeConventiononpreventingand combating violence against women and domestic violence does not explicitlymentionedwithin the textof theConvention, in itsexplanatoryreportparagraphs41and4217itclearlymakestheconnectionwithdomesticviolence:“41. Article 3 (b) provides a definition of domestic violence that covers acts ofphysical,sexual,psychologicaloreconomicviolencebetweenmembersofthefamilyordomesticunit, irrespectiveofbiologicalor legal family ties. In linewithwhat ismentioned in paragraph 40, economic violence can be related to psychologicalviolence.Domesticviolenceincludesmainlytwotypesofviolence:intimate-partnerviolence between current or former spouses or partners and inter-generationalviolencewhichtypicallyoccursbetweenparentsandchildren.Itisagenderneutraldefinitionthatencompassesvictimsandperpetratorsofbothsexes”.“42. Domestic violence as intimate-partner violence includes physical, sexual,psychological or economic violence between current or former spouses aswell ascurrent or former partners. It constitutes a formof violencewhich affectswomendisproportionately and which is therefore distinctly gendered. Although the term“domestic”may appear to limit the context ofwhere such violence can occur, the

17 Explanatory Report to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violenceagainst women and domestic violencehttps://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=09000016800d383a


10

draftersrecognisedthattheviolenceoftencontinuesafterarelationshiphasendedand therefore agreed that a joint residence of the victim and perpetrator is notrequired. Inter-generational domestic violence includes physical, sexual,psychologicalandeconomicviolencebyapersonagainstherorhischildorparent(elderlyabuse)orsuchviolencebetweenanyothertwoormorefamilymembersofdifferent generations. Again, a joint residence of the victim and perpetrator is notrequired”.

1.2. ECONOMIC ABUSE, ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE AND ECONOMIC

EMPOWERMENTAlthough women of all demographics are susceptible to intimate partner violence, theyencounteritdifferentlybasedonsocial,ethnic,andeconomicdivergences.Specifically,womenof lowsocio-economic status tend to experience itmore frequently andmore severelywhilealsohavingfewerresourcesandlackingaccesstoservicestoprotectthemselves18.Structuralbarrierssuchaspoverty, loweducationalattainment,and lackofaccess to informationmakeescaping violence more difficult as these barriers limit women’s knowledge of availableresourcesandtheirabilitiestobefinanciallyindependent19.The issuesconnected toeconomic independenceasawayout fromviolentsettings iscrucialforthisgroupofwomen.Indeed, economic independence is widely recognised as a prerequisite for enabling bothwomenandmentoexercisecontrolovertheirlivesandtomakegenuinechoices.Paragraph26oftheBeijingDeclarationandPlatformforActionadoptedattheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen(1995)mentionsaclearcommitmentofstatesto:

promote women's economic independence, including employment, anderadicate the persistent and increasing burden of poverty on women byaddressing the structural causes of poverty through changes in economicstructures,ensuringequalaccessforallwomen,includingthoseinruralareas,asvital development agents, to productive resources, opportunities and publicservices

Accordingtothemainsocio-economicliteratureanalyseduntilnow,economicindependencerefers to a condition where women and men have their own access to the full range ofeconomic opportunities and resources – including employment, services, and sufficientdisposable income – so they can shape and exercise control over their lives,meet their ownneedsandthoseoftheirdependants,andmakeconsciouschoices.

18 Williams, S. L. and Mickelson, K. D. (2004) The nexus of domestic violence and poverty, ViolenceAgainstWomen10(3),283 – 293.19Sokoloff,N.J.andDupont,I.(2005)Domesticviolenceattheintersectionsofrace,class,andgender:Challenges and contributions to understanding violence against marginalized women in diversecommunities,ViolenceAgainstWomen11(1),38 – 64.


11

The concept of women’s economic independence recognises that women are economicactorswhocontribute toeconomicactivityandshouldbeable tobenefit from itonanequalbasiswithmen,andthat financial independencecanhavean importantrole instrengtheningthepositionofwomeninsocietyandwithinthehousehold.Generally,employmentisrecognisedasthemainwaytobeeconomicallyindependentandtoavoidpoverty.Thisisevenmoretrueinthecaseofwomen’seconomicindependence,whichistherefore strictly connected with the recognition and valorisation of women’s work. Thismeans, in particular, that the quality of employment and employment conditions areespecially relevant: poor working conditions (related to, for instance, low pay, precariouswork,shortworkinghours,interruptedemploymentcareers,labourmarketsegmentation)andthe difficulty of remaining and progressing in employment can, in fact, result in low anddiscontinuousearnings,lowtrainingopportunitiesand,inmanycountries,noaccesstosocialprotectionandthusreducedpensionentitlementsinoldage,eventuallyincreasingthepovertyrisk.Whenconsideringeconomicindependenceingeneral,andwomen’seconomicindependenceinparticular, it isalso important toconsidereconomicsecurity, referringtotheability toplanfor future needs and risks and that basic needswill bemet. Building security could includegaining financial knowledge or new employment skills, having insurance against loss oradversityandbeingabletosaveinvariouswaysforretirementorforachild’seducation.UnfortunatelywomenvictimsofIPVareusuallyvictimsofaspecificformorofacombinationofviolentbehaviour.Theabusercanusearangeoftactics20alsotounderminetheeconomicindependenceofacurrentorformerintimatepartner.Forexample:

an abuser may prevent their partner from obtaining a job, or interfere withtheir work and jeopardise employment in order to maintain their partner’sfinancial dependency on them, thus potentially making it difficult for theirpartnertoleave.Anabusermayhavesolecontrolovertheirpartner’sfinancesorgivetheman“allowance.”Hemayalsointerferewithacademicactivitiesorattempt to compromise their partner’s scholarships and/or jeopardise futuregoals21

To this end, ad-hoc economic empowerment programmes and economic advocacy strategiesrepresenteffortstohelpvictimsgainorregaintheirfinancialfootingduringandafterabuse.Atthesametime,othersupportservicessuchasthoseaimedatup-scalingskillsthroughtrainingandeducationorthoseincreasingthepossibilityofentering/re-enteringthelabourmarketarecrucial to create the conditions for achieving economic independence and escaping fromviolentsettings.

20NationalCentreonDomesticandSexualViolence,PowerandControl.http://www.ncdsv.org/publications_wheel.html.21Ibid.


12

2. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT SUPPORT SERVICES IN ANTI-VIOLENCECENTRES

2.1. ECONOMICEMPOWERMENTSUPPORTSERVICESINANTI-VIOLENCECENTRES

In 1993, through the Declaration on the elimination of violence against women, the UnitedNations called upon states to ensure to “the maximum extent feasible in the light of theiravailable resources and, where needed, within the framework of international cooperation,that women subjected to violence and, where appropriate, their children have specialisedassistance22”.Moststatesansweredthiscallandestablishedsupportservicesforwomenvictimsofdifferentforms of violence. In general, domestic violence and IPV are the forms of violence mostcovered, and anti-violence centres have been created to provide assistance and secondaryprevention.There are different systems for classifying prevention strategies. The classification system,categorizesapreventionstrategybasedonwhatpointintimetheinterventionisimplemented.This classification system has three levels of prevention:primary, secondary, andtertiary23.Further, all prevention and protection actions are divided into three categories:primary,secondaryandtertiary.According to the National Online Resource Centre on Violence against Women24, thePennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence25 and the Against Violence and Abuse26preventionstrategiesaredefinedasfollows:

- Primary prevention: It includes actions before violence has occurred. It targets thegeneralpopulationandinvolvesawarenessraisingandeducationactivities,strategiesandpolicies.

- Secondary Prevention: It includes the response right after an incident of violenceoccurs and it takes the form of protection rather than prevention. It involves shortterms intervention and immediate response and its actions include sheltering,counselling,legalandmedicaladvocacyandarrestoftheperpetrators.

22G.A.res.48/104,1993(DEVAW)Article4(g).23Last,J.M.,&Wallace,R.B.(1992).Maxcy-Rosenau-Lastpublichealth&preventivemedicine(13thed.).Norwalk,Connecticut:Appleton&Lange.24APreventionPrimerforDomesticViolence:Terminology,Tools, andthePublicHealthApproachhttp://www.vawnet.org/applied-research-papers/print-document.php?doc_id=131325 Information provided by Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence athttp://www.pcadv.org/Learn-More/Prevention/26 Information provided by Against Violnce Abuse athttp://www.ccrm.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=295&Itemid=358


13

- Tertiary prevention: involves the long terms and ongoing support to victims andongoingaccountabilitytoabusers.

According to the report Bridging the gap: Solidarity and support for women27, secondarypreventionis“theimmediateresponseafteraviolentincidenthasoccurred,inordertocurtailitsextentandrepercussionsand this is related to theeffectivenessof the interventionof theState not only during a specific abuse episode”. These services include counselling services,emergency services, 24-hour hotlines, shelters and special police units and usually includeshelters where they can offer support for victims of violence for a small period of time.AccordingtoWAVE28:

specialist women’s support services cover all services supporting womensurvivors of violence and their children, such as women’s shelters, women’shelplines,women’s centres, rape crisis and sexual assault centres, specialisedservices formigrant andminority ethnicwomen, nationalwomen’s helplines,outreach services, independent domestic violence advisers, interventioncentres,andothers

However,whatisnotclearfromtheavailableliteratureistheleveloftertiaryprotection:thelong-termcareandsupportofthosewomenwhohavesufferedviolence,aswellassupportandserviceprovisionstructuresforwomenvictimsofabuse.According to the report Bridging the gap: Solidarity and support for women29, despite theimportance of addressing causes generating violence and combating domestic violence, inpractice,primaryandtertiarypreventionusuallytendtobeleftoutorbeunderstatedinfavourof secondary prevention. Although primary prevention such as prevention programmes,awarenessraising,educatingprofessionalsaretakingplace,howeverthesearenotsystematicor evaluated in order to understand the impact of such activities. Further the FRA study30states that “As for the types of intervention […] there is increasing attention to preventionmeasures and support services, while reintegration programmes specifically targeted to the

27Bridging the gap: Solidarity and support forwomen. An awareness-raising tool for the social/labour(re)integrationofwomenvictimsofviolence,MediterraneanInstituteforGenderStudies/MIGS,CentreforResearchonWomen'sIssues“DIOTIMA”,co-financedbytheEuropeanSocialFundwithintheframeof Action 3 “Local actions for the social integration of vulnerable groups” of Intervention Category 1:“Preventingandaddressingsocialexclusionofvulnerablepopulationgroups”of theThematicPriorityAxis 4: “Full integration of the all human resources in an equal opportunities society”, OperationalProgramme“HumanResourcesDevelopment”2007 – 2013.28WAVEReport(2014)Specialisedwomen’ssupportservicesandnewtools forcombatinggender-basedviolence in Europe. For definitions of types of services please see the full report http://www.wave-network.org/sites/default/files/WAVE%20Country%20Report%202014.pdf.29Bridging the gap: Solidarity and support forwomen. An awareness-raising tool for the social/labour(re)integrationofwomenvictimsofviolence,MediterraneanInstituteforGenderStudies/MIGS,CentreforResearchonWomen'sIssues“DIOTIMA”,co-financedbytheEuropeanSocialFundwithintheframeof Action 3 “Local actions for the social integration of vulnerable groups” of Intervention Category 1:“Preventingandaddressingsocialexclusionofvulnerablepopulationgroups”of theThematicPriorityAxis 4: “Full integration of the all human resources in an equal opportunities society”, OperationalProgramme“HumanResourcesDevelopment”2007 – 2013.30EuropeanUnionAgencyforFundamentalRights(2010)ViolenceagainstwomenandtheRoleofgenderequality,socialinclusionandhealthstrategies.


14

needsofwomenvictimsofviolencearelesswidespread.Theseprogrammesshouldincludethesocialinclusionandeconomicreliefofvictims.Theaimshouldbea“simultaneous”approachof all three prevention types; primary, secondary and tertiary prevention: a multi- levelprevention.Multi- levelpreventionareprevention initiativesthatcanaddressmorethanonelevelofpreventionbyintegratingstrategiesthat“intervenefordomesticviolenceatdifferentstagesorpointsintimesuchasbeforetheviolencehasoccurred(primaryprevention),during(secondaryprevention),oraftertheviolencehasoccurred(tertiaryprevention)”31.

ThereportoftheCouncilofEuropeoncombatingviolenceagainstwomen:minimumstandardsforsupportservicesidentifiedthefollowingtypesofservicesaroundEurope:

- refuge/shelters- counsellingandpsychologicalservices- healthcare/medicalservices,includingsexualassaultcentres- hotlines/helplines- legalandotherformsofadvice- limitedrapecrisiscentres- self-defence,trainingandeducation- perpetratorprogrammes- interventionprojects- outreach

It should be noted that the types of services towomen victims of violence are based on theminimum standards provided by the convention of the elimination of all forms of violenceagainstwomen,andtheBeijingPlatform.TheCouncilofEuropeReportoncombatingviolenceagainstwomen:minimumstandardsforsupportservicesexplainsthat:

the international community has provided some guidance on the types ofservicesthatarerequiredtocombatviolenceagainstwomen.Specificallythesehave come from the CEDAW Committee32, the Beijing Platform for Action33(“BeijingPlatform”)andtheUnitedNationsSecretary-General’sin-depthstudyonviolenceagainstwomen34

The same report (COE 2007) underlined that “some services provide integrated responses,offering a combination of types of support (shelter, outreach, advocacy and counselling, forexample)and/orworkacrossformsofviolence”.Within the broad range of support services, anti-violence centresmay also provide supportserviceswhichdirectlyorindirectlycanworktogethertoassistwomenvictimsofIPVtoexit

31 A Prevention Primer for Domestic Violence: Terminology, Tools, and the Public Health Approachhttp://www.vawnet.org/applied-research-papers/print-document.php?doc_id=131332 CEDAW Committee Recommendation 19, 11th Session 1992 para 9. http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/recommendations/recomm.htm.33A/CONF.177/20,1995.http://www.un.org/documents/ga/conf177/aconf177-20en.htm.34 2006 A/61/122/Addhttp://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/vaw/violenceagainstwomenstudydoc.pdf.


15

fromviolentsettings.Indeed,womenseekingtoleaveabusivepartnersoftenreporteconomicconcernsasamajorbarrier35.Fromthe literaturereviewedthere isnouniversaldefinition for theeconomicsupport forwomenvictimsofviolenceandasitcannotedabove,onthetypesofservicesprovidedtothevictims such support is not standing alone but when it is provided, it is usually integratedwithinothercategories(inparticulartrainingandeducation)accordingtoamultidimensionalapproachwiththeaimofworkingfortertiaryprevention.When it comes to empowerment it is crucial to underline that “empowerment theoryunderpinsservicesprovidedbymanysheltersandnon-profitorganisations.Thisapproach isgrounded in thebelief that victimsof violence shouldhave access to information, education,andothernecessarysocialandeconomicsupporttomakeinformeddecisionsthatbestreflecttheir interests and needs. Rather than attempting to eliminate the violence, which is notcontrolled by victims, the empowerment approach uses knowledge dissemination, training,and counselling to create a set of services that victims control, such as post-victimisationassistanceandriskminimisation”36.Measurestoensureprotectionandsupportofwomenvictimsofviolencemustbebasedonagendered understanding of violence against women and domestic violence (in which IPV isusual included), avoid secondaryvictimisationandaimat theirempowermentandeconomicindependence.Support services should includenotonlyemergencyassistance for thevictim,butwillideallyaddressthemorecomplexandlong-termneedsofvictimsandfamilies,whichcan include psychosocial support, housing, security, legal assistance, financial support andemploymentservices.Women’sunequaleconomicstatusplaysasignificantroleinreinforcinggender-basedviolence.Women’seconomicdependenceonapartnercreatesobstaclestoleavingaviolentrelationship.Providingwomenwitheconomicandemploymentassistancearethusimportantaspectsoftheprotectionservices tohelpwomentobecome financially independent,and, if theyhavebeenliving in a shelter, to come back to live independently. For this reason, shelters and anti-violencecentres,whiledealingwithviolence,oftenrun jobskillsprogrammesoroffercareerguidance.Mostoftentheseprogrammestakealsothe formofentrepreneurshipdevelopmentand employment programmes. As opposed to other at-risk groups, more comprehensiveservices are required and theremay also be a need for long-term assistance and follow-up.(OSCE,2009)37.

35 Sanders, C. K., & Schnabel, M. (2006) Organizing for economic empowerment of battered women:Women'ssavingsaccounts.JournalofCommunityPractice,14(3),47 – 68;Turner,S.F.,&Shapiro,C.H.(1986) Battered women: Mourning the death of a relationship. Social Work, 31, 372 – 376; Zorza, J.(1991)Womanbattering:Amajorcauseofhomelessness.ClearinghouseReview,25,421 – 429.36EmpoweringVictimsofDomesticViolence,SocialImpactResearch.SocialIssueReport37Osce,ViolenceagainstwomenintheOSCEregion.Acompilationofgoodpractices,2009.


16

Furtherandagain fromthe literaturereviewed,economicsupportasperdefinition ismostlyprovided to women victims of economic or financial abuse38. Indeed, and as the NationalCoalition against Domestic Violence states “financial matters become infinitely morecomplicated when compounded with the need of protection from an abusive partner. Thefollowing are some examples of how the road to financial freedom is extremely difficult forvictimsofIPV:

- Often, victims of IPV have little or no access to financial resources and face thechoiceofpovertyorremaininginanabusiverelationship.

- Abusivepartnersmaysabotagevictims’attemptstoseekemploymentoreducationoutside of the home by harassing them at work, withholding transportation orchildcare,orbeatingthemseverely.

- Victims of IPV who have access to the internet may be unable to retrieve vitalinformation about resources that could help them leave the relationship becausemanyabuserscloselymonitorthewebsitesvictimsvisit.

- Some abusive partners harass victims through their social security numbers bydamagingtheircreditandaccessingtheirbankaccounts”39.

From all the above, economic assistance and support services should be included in the so-called tertiary prevention where professionals should work directly with the victims andassistthem40in:1) increasing the financial literacy or the knowledge and skills to make sound financialdecisionsandobtainresources;2) economic self-efficacyor the belief of possessing resources, options, and confidence to besuccessful;and3)anenhancementineconomicself-sufficiencyoreconomicbehavioursthatdemonstratetheireconomicself-efficacyorfinancialliteracyregardingpersonalfinancialmanagement.Itisimportanttonotethatfromallliteraturereviewedweshouldunderlinethattheliterature,includingscholarly,reportsfrombothNGOsparticularlyinEurope,internationalandEuropeanorganisations, although they include financial support under training or other educationschemesamongothers, theydon’thowever analysewhat these include.NGOsaswewill seebelowdohaveplansandactionsinordertofinanciallyassistvictimsofIPVbutthesearenotmapped or written in an analytical, step-by-step way but most probably they have learnedthroughtheirexperiences.Timeandresourcesmightalsobeoneofthereasonsthesearenot

38 See for example: Postmus, L. J. (2010) Economic empowerment of domestic violence survivors innational online resource centre on violence against women.http://www.vawnet.org/Assoc_Files_VAWnet/ AR_EcoEmpowerment.pdf; Corrie, T., & McGuire, M.,Economicabuse:Searchingforsolutions.Aspotlightoneconomicabuseresearch;Economicabuse:Theuntold cost of domestic violence. Office of Manhattan Borough, President Scott M. Stringer, Sakhi forSouthAsianWomen,andtheWorkerInstituteatCornell.(October2012).239 National Coalition against Domestic Violence at http://www.ncadv.org/about-us/our-programs/financial-education40Postmus,L.J.(2010)Economicempowermentofdomesticviolencesurvivorsinnationalonlineresourcecentre on violence against womenhttp://www.vawnet.org/Assoc_Files_VAWnet/AR_EcoEmpowerment.pdf.


17

beengatheredinaguideasalsostatesbyFRA(2010)“theamountofresourcesearmarkedforcombatinggender-relatedviolenceisstillverylimitedandfragmented”41;.2.2. ECONOMICEMPOWERMENTSUPPORTSERVICES INTHEPROJECTANTI-

VIOLENCECENTRESAn internal questionnaire was sent to project partners. The questionnaire was aimed atcollectingcontextualinformationontheanti-violencecentresincludedintheprojects,tohaveinformation on the system in place for data collection and on the economic empowermentservicescarriedout.Inthefollowingpages,themainsetofinformationiselaboratedandpresented.However,thecompleteelaborationofallquestionsincludedinthequestionnaireareannexedtothisreport(Annex1).As for thebackgroundsituation inwhichempowerment centresareembedded, the first twographs below show the kind of support services the anti-violence centres42 included in theWEGO partnerships provide, as well as the main target groups to which these services areaddressed.As it is clear, all the centresprovide counsellingandpsychosocial support andmostof themprovidelegalaidandtrainingandeducation.Veryfew,instead,providefinancialsupportandinthetwocasestheyhavementionedinthisservice, this isrelatedtotheprovisionofurbantransportticketsortoprovidemoneyforfood.

43% 43%

100%

71%

100%

71%

43%

29%

14%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

41EuropeanUnionAgencyforFundamentalRights(2010)ViolenceagainstwomenandtheRoleofgenderequality,socialinclusionandhealthstrategies42 Animus Association Foundation, Associazione “Donatella Tellini” Biblioteca Delle Donne-CentroAntiviolenza, Centro Veneto Progetti Donna-Auser, C.I.F - Centro Italiano Femminile provinciale diReggioCalabria,FundaciónMujeres,SURT-Fundaciódedones,Women’sCenterofKarditsa.


18

Servicesareprovidedfromallthecentrestovictimsofintimatepartnerviolenceand,mostofall, of domestic violence. Also “new” forms of violence against women such as stalking aretackledshowingthisismuchmorewidespreadthanwhathadbeenthought.Sexualassaultisalsotackledinmanycases,whilerapeandsexualharassmentarelessaddressed.Veryspecificforms of violence such as trafficking and exploitation, and female genital mutilation areaddressedonlybyacoupleofcentres.

100%

71%

57%

43% 43%

71%

14%

29%

14%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

When asked if they collect socio-economic data on service users, all those interviewedansweredpositively.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Yes No

Doesyouranti-violencecentercollectsocio-economicdataonyourserviceusers?

However,thefollowingtablesshowthatmostofthedataareonthefamily/relationshipstatus,insomecasesontheoccupationalstatusandinfewcasesonearnings/income.As graph above shows, information regarding the marital/relationship status, the householdconditions (e.g. living alone, living alonewith children, livingwith partner, etc.) and the age of


19

childrenarecollectedbyallthoseinterviewed.Mostofthecentresalsocollectinformationonthenumberofdependent children,which is an important variable to considerwhen thinkingabouteconomicindependence.

100% 100% 100%

86%

100%

43%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

Maritalstatus Relationshipstatus

Householdconditions

Numberofdependentchildren

Ageofchildren

Other

DATAONFAMILY/RELATIONSHIPSTATUS

Other important variables that are crucial for defining the economic independence of thewomenarealsonotfullycollected.If it is true thatmost of the interviewed collect data on the occupational status (e.g. home-maker/employed/unemployed/retired/unable to work because of disability/unpaid orvoluntarywork/student-intraining)ofthewomenwhoarerequestingservices(butnotallasit couldhavebeenexpectedgiven the importanceof thisvariable), it is also true thatnearlyhalf do not collect data on the type of employment (e.g. part-time/full-time, employed/self-employed) and that a third do not collect data on the educational level. Moreover, no onecollectsdataon thereasons forpart-timeorself-employment in thecaseof theoccupationalstatus.Thesearealsoveryimportantvariablesasitiswellknownanddocumentedthatseveralwomenarepartofthegrowingshareofownaccountworkerswhoareso-calleddependentorbogus self-employed, e.g. workers who are formally self-employed, but actually treated asemployeesintermsoftasks,workingtimeandotherworkingconditions.

86%

57%

0% 0%

71%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Occupationalstatus

Typeofemployment

Reasonforpart-time

Reasonforself-employment

Educationallevel

DATAONOCCUPATIONALSTATUS


20

Dataonearnings/incomearecollectedbyavery fewcentres: threeask fordataonwomen’spersonalearningsandhomeproperty,whileonlyoneasksforthedetailsofthehouseholder’sincomeandthepresenceofanindividualbankaccountheldbywomen.Twoaskifwomenarereceivingmoneyfromwelfare/socialbenefits.

43%

29%

0%

14% 14%

43%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Personalearnings

Receivingmoneyfromeconomicandsocialbenefits

Householdearning

Householdincome

Presenceofindividualbank

account

Property/Homeownership

DATAONEARNING/INCOME

When replying in connection with the provisions of specific services to support women’seconomicempowerment/independence,mostoftheinterviewedanswerpositively.

86%

14%

Doesyouranti-violencecentreprovidespecificservices tosupportwomen’seconomicempowerment/independence?

Yes

No

The range of specific services is quite large. Access to job opportunities is provided by allinterviewedandpersonal,educationandemploymentdevelopment,andaccesstolegaladviceandservicesisprovidedby6interviewedoutof7.Accesstowelfare/socialbenefits,accesstochildcareand/orothercareservicesandaccesstosafe,affordablehousingandtransportationis provided by 5 interviewed out of 7, while access to entrepreneurship pathways/schemesonlybyone.Oneintervieweespecificallysignalstheimplementationofanempowermentprogrammebasedontheresiliencemethodwhichfocusesonworkingwithanddevelopingthestrengthsofevery


21

accommodatedclient so theycanbecome fit to lead independent lives,bothemotionallyandeconomically(seelaterinparagraph3.2).

86% 86%

71%

43%

86%

71% 71%

14%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Personal,EducationandEmploymentDevelopment

AccesstoLegalAdviceandServices

Accesstowelfare/social

benefits

Accesstoentrepreneurshippathways/schemes

Accesstojobopportunities

Accesstochildcareand/orothercareservices

Accesstosafe,affordablehousingandtransportation

Other

WhenaskedaboutthemainchallengesfacedinrespondingtothespecificeconomicneedsofwomenvictimsofIPV,thoseinterviewedsuggestedmanyissues.There is a common challenge that most of those interviewed stressed in their efforts toempower victims of violence. Many of the women accommodated in the centres have hadprevious experience with different kinds of institutions where a kind of “pre-learnedhelplessness”hasalreadybeensupported.Themajorityofthewomenhavescarcesocialskills,they are very vulnerable,with scarce economic and personal resources. Inmany cases theyalsolackfamilyandsocialnetworksabletosupportthem.Insomecases,themental,emotionalandphysicalimpactsofviolencearesostrongastothreatentheproposedinterventions.Inthissituation, it is very difficult for social workers to adequately prepare the women for therequirementsofthelabourmarket.Anotherfrequentchallengeisconnectedwiththefactthatclientsareoftenmotherswithyoungchildrenwho are also sole parents and it is difficult for the employers to accept this and toprovideoptions for flexibleworkinghours so thatwomen can continue to take careof theirchildren.Finally,athirdgroupofchallengesisrelatedtotwoobjectivefacts:a)theeconomiccrisisthatEuropeisstillfacingwithsevereconsequencestolabourmarketdynamics;b)theparallellackof effective and specific public interventions able to support the entry to the labourmarket,self-employmentpathways,through, forexample,adequateandspecificprofessionaltraining,traineeships/ apprenticeships and financing for start-ups. It is reported that national socialservicesaresometimesnotable toprovideadequatesupport tovictimsor to solvewomen’srequests (for example, specific social benefits for victims of IPV, economic aid for womencaringfordependants,orforfoodordecenthousing)oftenduetoaseriouslackoftrainingandawareness-raisingongender-basedviolenceamongprofessionals.Thereisalsoaneedtowork


22

morecloselywithenterprisesofferingjobstopopulationsatriskofsocialexclusion(includingwomenvictimsofgender-basedviolence).TheWEGOprojectisconsideredtopossiblyhaveapositiveroletotacklethesechallengesevenif many of them do not depend upon the willingness and the capacity of the anti-violencecentres,butonnational/localgovernments.Asaresultofanalysiswithinthisproject,economicempowermentservicesshouldbeprovidedwithin anti-violence centres/organisations and which economic needs should be satisfiedshould be identified. It is believed this will strengthen their capacity and efforts in tacklingeconomic empowerment, to improve coordinationwith other organisations and to enhance,throughtraining,theawareness-raisingonVAWforprofessionals.

3. GOOD PRACTICES TO EMPOWER WOMEN WHO HAVESUFFEREDINTIMATEPARTNERVIOLENCE

3.1. THECONCEPTOFGOODPRACTICEANDTHEMETHODOLOGIESFORITSIDENTIFICATION

Describinganyinterventionas“good”practiceistomakeaverystrongclaimsuggestingthatitworks in all locations and for all individuals. There are, unfortunately, no uncontestedprinciplesorrulesforidentifyinggoodorpromisingpracticesinthisarea43.Manycommentarieslackclarityaboutthesubjectofthe“goodpractice”i.e.,asetofprinciples,a strategy, an approach or a particular project and whether recommended approaches areexpected to be applied in all contexts or are context-specific.Whether something is “good”,“promising”or“effective”dependsonthestandardsthatareusedinassessment,andonlocalcircumstances. Family forms, living arrangements and livelihoods, and the capacities of thestatevaryacrossandwithinsocieties.So,forexample,community-basedstrategiesthatappeareffectiveincountriesofthesouthmaynotworksowellincountriesinthenorth,andsimilarlytherelianceonthepoliceandthecriminaljusticesystemstocombatviolenceagainstwomeninthenorthmaybelesseffectiveinthesouth.Practicesemergeinparticularcontextsandcircumstances,oftenbuildingonandlearningfromwhat has been tried before. Transfers of practices, adaptation of interventions to localparticularitiesandavailableresources,establishmentofandadherencetostandards,principlesunderpinninginterventions,andachievementofintendedoutcomesmaybeexamplesofgoodpractice. Coordination and integration of services provided by different sectors and 43 OSCE (2009) Bringing security home: Combating violence against women in the OSCE region. Acompilation of good practices; United Nations (2005) Good practices in combating and eliminatingviolenceagainstwomen,Vienna.


23

stakeholdersandaddressingallformsofviolenceagainstwomenarebecomingmorecommonandareoftenseenasgoodpractice.Havingsaidthis,theprojectwilladoptEIGE’sgoodpracticemethodologyasanidealreference.As stated in EIGE’s Action plan on good practices in the field of gender equality and gendermainstreaming, the concept of “good practice” aims at identifying “relevant examples,approachesandexperiences,intheEuropeanUnionandMemberStates,usefultosupporttheimplementation of gender equality policies and directives, in practice.” Good practices arepractices that not only “workwell” in terms of actions,methods and strategy, but they alsocontribute to the implementation of gender mainstreaming. They document thetransformationalaspectofgendermainstreaming – theimpactthatintegratinggenderequalityissueshas – intermsofchangestogoals,strategies,actions,andoutcomestherebyproducingsustainable,longlastingeffectsintermsofgendermainstreamingobjectives.Theconceptof“goodpractice”refersto:

anyexperience/initiativedisplayingtechniques,methodsorapproacheswhichfunctioninaway,andproduceeffectsandresultscoherentwiththedefinitionof gendermainstreaming,which are considered to be particularly effective indelivering gendermainstreaming as a transformative strategy, and, therefore,deservingtobedisseminatedandproposedtootherorganisationalcontexts

TheEIGEActionplanongoodpracticesinthefieldofgenderequalityandgendermainstreamingalso distinguishes between practices “with potential” and “good practices.” Practices withpotential(alsoreferencedas“promisingpractices”),arepracticesthat(1)havebeenworkingwell (the practice is finished, or at least shows substantial achievement attributed to thepractice itself); (2) canbe replicatedelsewhere; (3)aregood for learninghow to thinkandactappropriately.Beyondpracticeswithpotentialarepracticesthat(4)areembeddedwithin a wider gender strategy; and that (5) show effective achievement in terms ofadvancementofgenderequalityand/orreductionofgenderinequalities.Moving from this, themethodology proposed for theWEGO project starts from the generalconsiderationthatassessingapracticereliesoninternalandexternalelementsofknowledge:

� Internal knowledge: documentation on the practice itself, especially analysis alreadydirectedtoidentifyanddescribethekeyfeaturesofthepractice;forexample,weneedmonitoringresultstoassessthelevelofperformanceobtained.

� Externalknowledge: contextanalysis to identify theexternal conditionsonwhich thepracticeimplicitlyorexplicitlyrelies;weneedevaluationstudiestoassesstheimpactonbeneficiariesandtargetgroups,forexample.

Thus valuable and successful experiences often cannot be assessed because of the lack ofavailabledocumentation.


24

Indeed,asstatedintheUnitedNationsin-depthstudyonallformsofviolenceagainstwomen,whatdefinesa“goodpractice”dependsbothonthestandardsthatareusedinevaluationandonlocalcontexts:

The challenge is to identify useful generalisations about interventions andreforms without understating the importance of the specific context andwithoutminimising the responsibility of the state to address violence againstwomendespiteconstraints[…]whatworkswellisinfluencedbytheformofthestate,itscommitmenttowomen’sequality,itsrelationshipwithCSOsandcivilsocietyandtheresourcesithastodrawon44

Generally speaking, understanding local contexts is crucial to understanding and assessingwhatworksbestandhowitworks.Within these general assumptions, the following are three additional specific criteria toconsiderwhenidentifyinggoodpracticesaddressingeconomicempowermentofIPVvictims:1. Women/victim-centredapproachWomenvictims’needs,empowerment,autonomyandself-determinationshouldbeatthecoreof any practice addressing economic empowerment. Women should be provided with asupportive environment that treats themwith dignity, respect and sensitivity, and supportsthemtoregaincontrolof their lives, tohelpthemin findinga job inorder tohavetheirownmoneyandbeabletolivedecently.2. Multi-agencyapproachThe coordination and the integration of several organisations/institutions dealing withintimatepartnerviolenceandmanagingservicesand/orinterventionsisessentialtoincreasetheopportunitytoempowerwomensofIPV.3. MultidimensionalapproachGiven the multidimensional features of the violence against women phenomenon (and inparticular of IPV, as well as the several dimensions involved in economic independence(employment, education, social networks, income, housing, etc.) it is essential that practicesaimedattacklingtheseissuesincludeamultidimensionalapproachlookingatthephenomenonfromdifferentperspectives,andtryingtoprovideseveralanddifferentanswers.The following tablesummarises themethodologyweare followingwithin theWEGOproject.Thecriteriaaretobeconsideredasageneralframeworktotendtoanddonotneedtobeallfulfilled.

44UnitedNationsGeneralAssembly(2006)In-depthstudyonallformsofviolenceagainstwomen.Reportof the Secretary-General, Doc A761/122/Add.1, New York, USA, http://www.un.org/ womenwatch/daw/.


25

GENERALCRITERIA(adaptedfromtheEIGEmethodology)

(1) have been working well: the practice is finished, or at least shows substantialachievementattributedtothepracticeitself;(2) can be replicated elsewhere: the practice presents specific useful generalisation thatcouldbeadaptedindifferentlocalcontext;(3) are good for learning how to think and act appropriately: the practices can be ofinspirationforthedesignoftheWEGOtoolkit(4) are embedded within a wider gender strategy: in the WEGO project, the practicesconsiderIPVasaspecificformofgenderbasedviolence;(5) show effective achievement in terms of advancement of gender equality and/orreductionofgender inequalities: thepracticescanprovide importantachievements in termsoftertiaryprevention.

SPECIFICCRITERIAFORTHEWEGOPROJECTWITHREGARDTOECONOMICEMPOWERMENTSUPPORTSERVICES

(6)Women/victim-centred approach: women victims’ needs, empowerment, autonomyand self-determination should be at the core of any practice addressing economicempowerment.(7) Multi-agency approach: the coordination and the integration of severalorganisations/institutions dealing with intimate partner violence and managing servicesand/or interventions is essential to increase theopportunity toempowerwomenvictimsofIPV.(8) Multidimensional approach: practices should consider the economic empowermentfrom different perspectives trying to provide several and different answers tomultidimensionalneeds.3.2. GOODPRACTICESEXAMPLESAspreviouslyunderlined,studiesandanecdotalevidencesuggestthateconomicdependanceisamong thestrongestpredictorofavictim'sdecision toremain, leaveorreturn toanabusiverelationship. Given the various economic factors that contribute towomen’s vulnerability toviolenceandprevent themfromseekinghelp, it isessential forshelters toprovideeconomicassistance for women as they return to their home community or transition to a newcommunity.

Byassistingwomentosecureimmediatefinancialsupportsandpromotetheiropportunitiestoachieve and sustain income, shelters remove one of the greatest barriers to leaving abusivesituations that exist forwomen. Assistingwomen and girls inways that promotewell-beingand security is needed to effectivelyhelp themovercome the effects of violence and achievetheirgoalsfora lifefreeofviolence.Thisincludesacontinuumofservicestosupportabusedwomentoleaveviolentrelationshipsandcircumstances;overcomethephysical,emotionalandsocialeffectsofviolence(e.g.distress,trauma,impactonfamilyandsocialrelationships,grief,loss);dealwiththepracticalconsequences(e.g.economicchallenges,custodyofchildren,legal


26

issues); and transition to a new home and/or community (e.g. access to affordable and safehousing,establishingemploymentandincome).

Researchalsosuggeststheimportanceofsocialsupportandaccesstocommunityresourcesinassisting women to successfully leave situations of intimate partner violence.Women oftenreport returning to abusive relationships because of lack of employment and economicdependenceontheirpartner.

As seen in chapter 2, support services carried out by anti-violence centres and otherorganisationswhichcollaboratewiththemincludenotonly theemergencyassistance for thevictims of violence. They also include services and initiatives meant to address the morecomplexand long-termneedsofbothvictimsand their families.Thesecoverdifferentareas:social,employment,financial,legal,childcareandhousing.Allofthemcanstronglycontributetoempower(directlyand/orindirectly)womenbysupportingthemtodefinitivelyescapetheviolent situation they live in. Inparticular, antiviolence centresmayprovide several areasofsupporttoempowerwomeneconomically,dependingonthecontextoffundingandavailableresources.Thesesupportsmayinclude:

• JobskillstrainingandcareerguidanceIPVmayrequirethevictimtobeoffwork,giveupherjobormoveoutofherhomeinordertoprotect herself and her children, exposing her to an enormous financial risk. In addition,womenvictimsof IPVmayalsobe financially abused (e.g. theyarenot allowed towork), anaspect that makes them totally dependent on the perpetrator and often responsible for allhousehold debts after leaving a violent relationship (Council of Europe, 2008)45. For thesereasons women victims need a wide range of long-term and economic supports that mayempowerthemandfacilitatetheirre-integrationinthesociety.Fromthisperspective,bothjobskills trainingactivitiesaimingat strengtheningwomen’s skillsandcareerguidanceareveryimportant.

• FinancialskillstrainingAlsospecifictrainingcoursesonfinancialandeconomicskillsmaybeusefultoraiseawarenessabouttheimportanceofeconomicindependenceandallowvictimstobehelpedtofindand/ormaintaintheirjob.Alotofwomensufferingfromdomesticviolenceandmorespecificallyfromintimate partner violence have many problems concerning their economic sphere anddifficulties in achieving an independent life. Many of them have also experienced financialabuseasaresultofIPV.Trainingprogrammesoneconomicempowermentcarriedbytheanti-violence centres may improve the financial security and confidence of women victims ofviolence.

• Supportforaccesstolonger-termhousingSupport for access to housing is a critical part of empowering victims to recover from theirexperiences with violence. When women are ready to leave the shelter, support for quickaccess to new safe and affordable housing can help to: (i) decrease the burden of economic

45TheCouncilofEuropeTaskforcetocombatviolenceagainstwomen,includingdomesticviolence,finalactivityreport,2008.


27

hardship,housinginstability,anduncertaintyastheyfocusonsafetyforthemselvesandtheirchildren, and other essential needs (i.e. employment, health, legal issues); (ii) createalternatives to remaining in abusive homes; (iii) reduce the risks of being re-victimised byabusers)

• EmploymentProgrammesThey can provide opportunities for income generation trough, for example, internshipprogrammesand/orjobplacement.On thebasisof theabove typologiesandconsidering thegeneralandspecific criteria for theidentificationof“goodpractices”aspresentedinpreviousparagraph3.1,acertainnumberofpractices dealing with gender based violence with a specific focus on domestic violenceincludingIPVhavebeenidentified.TheyarepresentedinAnnex2ofthisreport.


28


29

ANNEX1–ANSWERSTOWEGOINTERNALQUESTIONNAIRE

1)Whatservicesdoesyouranti-violencecenterprovide?

2)Towhichtargetgroupyouranti-violencecenteraddressesitsservices?

3)Whichformsofgender-basedviolencedoesyouranti-violencecentreaddress?


30

6)Couldyouprovideanestimateonhowlongusuallywomenstayintheshelter?Shelterservicesofferedby3/7anti-violencecenters8months

3to6months1,5years

Mediumpermanence 107)Doesyouranti-violencecentrehaveadatacollectionsysteminplace?

8)Ifyes,howisdatacollected?


31


32

9)Whichmethodsareusedtocollectdata?

10)Datacollectedrelatesto:

11)Datacollectedisavailableat:


33

12)Doesyouranti-violencecenteranalyzethedatacollected?

13)Ifyes,howoftendoyouanalyzeyourdataanalyzed?

14)Collecteddataisusedfor:


34


35

15)Doesyouranti-violencecentercollectsocio-economicdataonyourserviceusers?

16)Ifyes,whatkindofsocio-economicdatadoesyouranti-violencecentrecollect?


36

17)Inadditiontosocio-economicdata,whatkindofotherdatadoesyouranti-violencecentrecollect?


37

18)Doesyouranti-violencecentreprovidespecificservicestosupportwomen’seconomicempowerment/independence?

19)Ifyes,pleaseselectamongthefollowingandprovideashortexplanationofthekindofservicesprovided

20)Apartfromyourservices,areyouawareofanyotheranti-violencecenters(publicorprivate)inyourcountrywhichprovidesuchservices?


38


39

ANNEX2-SELECTIONOFPRACTICES“WITHPOTENTIAL”46FORECONOMICINDEPENDENCE-WEGO

Practice/serviceofantiviolenceCentres Briefdescriptionofthepracticeandoftheorganization Whycanbeofinspirationforthe

toolkit? Contacts

BG-AnimusAssociation – EmpowermentProgramme

TheCrisisCenter forVictimsofViolence, runbyAnimusAssociationFoundation, has been existing since 1998 when Animus set up thecenter to offer crisis accommodation and intervention to the mostseverecasesofwomenvictimsofdomesticviolence (inwhich IPV isincluded).NowadaysthecenteristheonlycrisisfacilityforvictimsofviolenceontheterritoryofthecityofSofiaandSofiaregion(approx.2mill.population)andaccommodatesabout100peopleperyear.According to the multidimensional approach, Animus Associationoffers an integrated social, pedagogical and empowerment programfor victims of domestic violence (including IPV). Through the socialsupport focusedon socialmediationandadvocacy, victimsand theirrelatives arehelped to copewith theprocessof autonomy.Theyaresupported in relationships with institutions and territorial services,includinglegalservicesandfacilitatedinaccesstohealthcare,aswellas supported in bureaucratic practices and procedures and assisted

The Empowerment programmewas created to increase victim’sopportunities of social integrationthrough developing skills forfinding employment and a strongwork intermediation activity veryinteresting for the modalitiesadopted and significant resultsachieved.It canbeofuse fordeveloping thetoolkit addressed to antiviolencecentreswithregardto thedraftingof specific modules aimed atallowing women to economicallyempower themselves and getting

Contacts:AnimusAssociation,ViolinaKirovaTelephone:+35929835205;9835305;9835405Email:[email protected]:www.animusassociation.org

46According to the European EIGE methodology, practices with potential (also referenced as “promising practices”), are practices that: (1) have been working well (the practice is finished, or at least shows substantial achievement attributed to the practice itself); (2) can be replicated elsewhere; (3) are good for learning how to think and act appropriately. Beyond practices with potential are practices that (4) are embedded within a wider gender mainstreaming strategy; and that (5) show effective achievement in terms of advancement of gender equality and/or reduction of gender inequalities. Within the WEGO project, they also respond to three additional specific criteria to be considered when identifying good practices addressing economic empowerment of IPV victims: Women/victim-centred approach (Women victims’ needs, empowerment, autonomy and self-determination should be at the core of any practice addressing economic empowerment. Women should be provided with a supportive environment that treats them with dignity, respect and sensitivity, and supports them to regain control of their lives, to help them in finding a job in order to have their own money and be able to live decently); Multi-agency approach (the coordination and the integration of several organisations/institutions dealing with intimate partner violence and managing services and/or interventions is essential to increase the opportunity to empower women victims of IPV); Multidimensional approach (given the multidimensional features of the violence against women phenomenon (and in particular of IPV, as well as the several dimensions involved in economic independence - employment, education, social networks, income, housing, etc. - it is essential that practices aimed at tackling these issues include a multidimensional approach looking at the phenomenon from different perspectives, and trying to provide several and different answers).


40


toolkit? Contacts

for relocating school-aged children to another school. They are alsoprovidedwithasmallamountsofmoney(coveringthecostsforbasiceverydayneeds)ecc.Thesocialsupportprogrammeistailoredtotheidentifiedneedsofthewomenandtheirindividualplan.Themajorityof the women accommodated at the crisis centre benefit from thesocial programme, which roughly amounts to 100 people per year.The Crisis centre currently offers accommodation and support towomenvictimsofviolenceandtheirchildrenwhoareoftenvictimsofviolencethemselves.Inordertomeetchildren’sandmother’sneeds,apedagogicalprogrammewas launched3yearsagowith the financialsupportofaprivatedonorfoundationfromLiechtenstein.Inparticular,anEmpowermentprogrammewascreatedtoincreasewomenvictimsopportunitiesofsocialintegrationthroughdevelopingskills for finding employment and achieving financial independencethatmaypreventwomen’sre-victimisation.Theprogrammeincludesthefollowingactivities:

- collecting information on available literature on victims’labourrightsandthepossibilitiesfortheirprotection;

- monitoring the labour market and building a database ofexisting labour mediators and available information on jobvacancies;

- offeringindividualempowermentconsultancyforsupportingvictims of violence in the process of searching for a job andprovidingbasicinformationonthelabourmarket;

- assessingthepastprofessionalexperiencesandqualificationsof women, their needs for training and expectations andreferralofwomentoqualifyingandre-qualifyingcourses;

- establishing contacts with labour mediators, professionalinformation centres and individual employers to effectivelyreferthewomen

The counselling process may last from 1 to 10 sessions,. Additionalsessionscanbeprovidedbothtolookforaspecificjobontheinternetorinnewspapersandtomaketelephonecallstoemployersifwomen

thefinancialindependence.


41


toolkit? Contacts

arenotabletodoitoutsidethecrisiscentre.Theempowermentworkopens spaces for examining and discussing women’s fears andnegative experiences, to come upwith specificways for overcomingthem.Thecounsellingmaycontinueevenafterthewomanhasfoundajob, if she needs support at the work place. Finally, an importantaspect of the empowerment programme is the arrangement ofmeetingsbythecrisiscentrebetweenpotentialemployersandsomeofthewomenbenefitingfromtheprogramme.Womenaresupportedtoprepare and send theirCV and tohave the interview, afterwhichthe employer decides whether to employ the woman. Meetings arealso organised in cooperationwith some partner organisationswhohaveconcludedpartnershipagreementswithemployersforacertainnumber of women who fit the profiles requested by specificemployers.Thepartnerorganisationsorganise1-or2-dayeventsthatallowalltheemployersandwomentomeetandtomakeandreceivejobproposals.Womenarealsosupportedtopreparefortheworkingposition if they get the job. Usually the whole process takes a fewweeks.Around50womenvictimsofviolencebenefitfromtheempowermentprogrammeperyearandabout80% find jobsafterbeing supportedthroughtheprogramme.

ES-FundaciònMujeres-Socio-occupationalmotivationprogramme

Within its activities, Fundaciòn Mujeres developed job servicemeasures and projects, academic-professional orientation, training,job placement, and supported the creation and consolidation ofbusinesses according to a multi-agency approach coordinating withseveral organisations/institutions dealing with domestic violence(including IPV) and a multidimensional approach that requires toprovide several and different services to address the domesticviolenceandIPVphenomenon.In particular, in the Principality of Asturia it developed the Socio-occupational motivation programme with the main aim ofpromoting personal, social, and work aspects of women who arevictims of different forms of gender-based violence. The Program

This socio-occupationalmotivationprogramme can be of use fordevelopingthetoolkitaddressedtoantiviolencecentersasregardstherealization of specific modulesaimed at allowing women toeconomically empower themselvesand getting the financialindependence.

Contacts: Maria FernandaSalazar Rodríguez, ProjectOfficer inCooperation andGBVprevention,FundaciónMujeresAddress:C/Ponzano,7,4ªplanta,28010 – MadridTelephone:915912420


42


toolkit? Contacts

includes:1. Personal and social encouragement.This activity isaimedatenforcingwomen’slifeprojects.Theworkshopofpersonalmotivationhas so far been developed in the locality of Langreo. The selectionprocessofwomenattendingworkshopswascarriedoutjointlybythePublic Employment Service and FundaciónMujeres.Workshops areorganisedintheformofgroupactions.Theircontentsarestructuredaccording to different action areas: personal (self-esteem; personalself-concept; self-image; communication abilities; personalempowerment); social (empowerment and social leadership; basicsocial abilities:decision-making, conflict resolution; socialnetworks;management of resources); life project (objectives and goals for therealisation of the life project); family (conciliation; parentempowerment; resources for the management of familialrelationships); Health (self-evaluation and diagnosis; healthy habits;emotionalhealth;familyhealth);Citizenship (social conscience; civic participation resources;leadershipandsocialparticipation).2.Vocationaltraining/educationsupport:- Workpre-training:Groupactivitiesareaimedat theacquisition

of basic social abilities, social resources and abilities thatencouragethewomen´sfuturesocialandworkinvolvement.

- Specific training for the overcoming of the key competency testsnecessary to access Level II professional certificates for thoseclientsthathavenotfinishedcompulsorysecondaryeducation.

- Job training notmanaged by FundaciónMujeres, but promotedbythePublicEmploymentService.TheydependdirectlyonthePrincipality of Asturias and are financed by the ESF or the FIPPlan. Fundación Mujeres identifies in the specific webpage(www.trabajastur.com)allthetrainingcoursesthataresuitedtothe needs of each one of the women who are clients of theproject, notifying them of the possibility of enrolment and/orhelpingenrol them.TheFundaciónprocesses thecourseaccess


43


toolkit? Contacts

requestsofjobtrainingtakingonclientmonitoring,tutoringandreinforcement.

3. A comprehensive service of improvement of employability (Jobcounselling, guidance, work intermediation and internshipprogrammes)includingthefollowingspecificactivities:

- Diagnostic interview: the first phase in which the programme ispresented and the level of activation of the clients is evaluated,theircompetenciesanalysed,andexpectationsunderstood.

- Experience in work environments: involvement in internshipprogrammes.

- Workintermediation:thislastphaseoftheitineraryshouldontheonehandpromotinginthestudentsthemselvestheresponsibilityofmaintaininganactivejobsearchandontheothergeneratinginthe businesses located in the area a higher level of socialcommitmentthroughthejobplacementofwomenwhohavebeenvictimsofgender-basedviolence.

- Tutorialinitiatives:aspaceofpermanentaccompanimentaimedatcontinuingthe interventionbyprovidingtheclientswithsupportandmotivation.

FR-Centred’InformationdesDroitsdesFemmesetdesFamilles(CIDFF)-Supportforjobsearchorbusinesscreation

The CIDFF established in 1972 by the French State as a firstinformation centre for women that today has become the NationalInformation Centre about the women’s and family rights (CNIDFF).Other centers have been developed across France in the followingyearsandtoday thenetworkof the informationcenters iscomposedby 114 local associations run by CNIDFF. CNIDFF pursues a multi-agencyapproachcoordinatingwithseveralorganisations/institutionsdealing domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Indeed,besidesofferinggeneral services topromote thesocial,personalandprofessional autonomy ofwomen andGender Equality, it also offersspecialised information and accompaniment services for womenvictims of violence (including IPV) bymeans of a professional team(lawyers, psychologists, social workers, marriage and familycounselors).

Although not specifically providedby an antiviolence center, thispractice can be of interest for itsspecific support for womenincreasing their possibilities to getthefinancialindependencethroughdeveloping skills for findingemployment.

Contact:Centred’InformationdesDroitsdesFemmesetdesFamilles (CIDFF) 165,BoulevardSérurier75019ParisTelephone:0144521920E-mail:[email protected]:www.infofemmes.com


44


toolkit? Contacts

In particular, it provides discussion groups and training ofprofessionalsworkingwithwomenvictimsofviolence(police,police,social workers, doctors, judges). Their services also aim to allowwomen to achieve economic independence trough a personalizedwork accompaniment service, including analysis of the employmentsituation of the victims and support for job search or businesscreation.


45

Practice/serviceofantiviolenceCentres Briefdescriptionofthepracticeandoftheorganisation Whycanbeofinspiration

forthetoolkit? Contacts

GR -Women’s Centreof Karditsa -Cooperation with theEmploymentDepartment and theCenterCarefacilities

TheWomen’s Centre of Karditsa has a specific Department of Support forWomen victims of domestic violence. The department is staffed with aspecialized Psychologist, SocialWorker, Sociologist and a Legal Advisor. Inaccording to the multidimensional approach, it provides: support andcounseling,bothPsychosocialandLegal,withindividualandgroupsessions;empowerment support; information and public awareness initiatives ondomestic violence issues; mediation and referrals. In according to themultiagencyapproach,theDepartmentdevelopsacooperationnetworkwithinstitutions, both public andprivate,NGO and other bodies,mediating andreferringtohostels,thepolice,thecourt,hospitals.ParticularlyrelevantisthecooperationoftheDepartmentwiththeCenters’support and the EmploymentDepartment aiming at reintegrating thesewomen in the social arena. The Department for the Promotion of FemaleEmployment isstaffedwithemploymentcounselors,permanentorexternalpersonneloftheentityandtheirservicesareaddressedtowomeningeneral(notonlyvictimsofdomesticviolence). Itprovides information, counselingandsupportservicestowomenwhoarelookingfortheirfirstjob,whowanttoimprovetheirprofessionalskills,tobereintegratedintothelabormarket,womenwho are interested in creating their own business, aiming at theirintegrationinthelabormarket.Womenwhoarevictimsofdomesticviolence(including IPV) can benefit of the Employment Department support.Information service is about: the labor market and employmentopportunities; vacancy notices by national or local entities; programs foreducationand training, supportandstrengtheningentrepreneurialactivity;European or national programs to battle unemployment; financial tools.Counseling and support is provided for: orienting in the labormarket andshaping professional goals; boosting professional qualifications; thedevelopmentandimplementationofthebusinessidea.InadditiontothesupportoftheEmploymentDepartment,womenvictimsofviolencecanalsobenefitoftheChildren’sCornerforCreativeActivitiesandthenurserywhichhostchildrenofalreadyworkingwomen,ofwomenwho

This practice can be of usefor developing the toolkitaddressed to antiviolencecentres as regards therealization of specificmodules on job counselling,guidance and workintermediation aimed atallowing women toeconomically empowerthemselves and getting thefinancial independence.Particularly interesting isthe provision of thechildcare facilities to allowwomentoattendtrainingortowork.

Contact:AikateriniVelessiotou,Women’sCentreofKarditsa(Greece)Address:[email protected]


46

Practice/serviceofantiviolenceCentres Briefdescriptionofthepracticeandoftheorganisation Whycanbeofinspiration

forthetoolkit? Contacts

wishtoentertheworkarena,andofwomenwhoattendtrainingprograms.


47

Practice/serviceofantiviolenceCentres Briefdescriptionofthepracticeandoftheorganisation Whycanbeofinspirationforthe

toolkit? Contacts

IE–SONAS

Sonas is the largest provider of frontline services to women andchildren experiencingdomestic abuse in the greaterDublin region.As of 1 January 2015, all their activities are funded by Tusla – TheChild and Family Agency. It pursues a multi-agency approachcoordinating with several organisations/institutions dealingdomesticviolenceincludingIPV.Their services specifically concern: refuge forwomen escaping theviolence; information service/counselling about legal matter andprocedures;visitingSupport&Crisis Interventionservices toprovidepsychological and informative support; Crisis intervention servicewhich is a specific support for women and children experiencingdomesticviolence(includingIPV)andwhoareinhomelessservices.In particular, Sonas provides a significant Housing Programmesince 1992 when established the Sonas Housing Association, aspecialist social housing organisation which providesaccommodation and/or support towomen and their childrenwhoarehomelessprimarilybecauseofdomesticviolence(includingIPV).Atthemomenttherearefouron-sitesupportedhousingservicewithapproximately 50 housing units in the Dublin area. SonasHousingalsosupportstheprovisionoftransitionalhousinginruralareas,inpartnership with local frontline services responding to domesticviolence.Womenareprovidedwithhousingforaperiodofuptotwoyears.

Housing constitutes an importantelement in the provision of long-term services for victims ofviolence. Finding accommodationmaybeespeciallydifficult forpoorand singlewomenwho have oftenbeen prevented from building upor accessing financial resources.Forthesereasonshavingahousingprogramme for centres is crucialtoallowwomenvictimsofviolenceto start an autonomous andindependentlife.This practice has developed aunique model of transitional andpermanenthousingforwomenandtheir children who have left theirownhomesasaresultofdomesticviolence (including IPV). It can beof use in the discussion atThessalonikiinordertoincludethe“housingtopic”inthetoolkit.

Contact:Sonas,FionaRyan(CEO);CristinaHurson,HeadofServicesTelephone:0879525217Webpage:http://www.domesticabuse.ie/


48


toolkit? Contacts

IT-CasadelledonnemaltrattatediMilano

This association of women was created in 1986. In 1992 the firstshelter was opened and now the association manages 5 sheltershostingwomen.It pursues a multi-agency approach coordinating with severalorganisations/institutions dealing with intimate partner violenceand managing services and/or interventions. In particular, thisassociation is part of national (D.i.R.e.), regional and localantiviolencecenter’snetworks.Giventhemultidimensional featuresof theviolenceagainstwomenphenomenon, this association aimed at tackling these issueaccording to a multidimensional approach looking at thephenomenon from different perspectives, and trying to provideseveral and different answers/services. Indeed, it providesinformation, training and awareness raising activities addressed toschools, teachers, firms, institutions and professionals, but itsprimary objective is to lead women victims of violence towardsautonomy and independence. To achieve this goal are providedmanyservicesandkindsofsupport,suchas:listeningphoneservice;legalcounselingandsupport;psychologicalsupport;socialinclusionsupport; couselling service on the economic violence; financialsupport (a sum of money) for immediate help; job counselling,guidance to look for a job; counselling/housing intermediationservices to find an apartment at the conclusion of the hospitalityproject..Inparticular,italsoprovidessupportforbusinesscreation.Withinthe “Ri-MilanoRicaricarsi eRipartireproject”, a social cooperative -the “Six petals cooperative” - was established. The cooperativecarries out activities aimed at providing employment for womencoming out of gender-based violence episodes and who need re-enter in the labourmarket. The goal is to promote, rebuild, renewand upgrade the professional skills of women, through fieldactivities.

Developing enterpreunership maybe the road to economic self-sufficiency. Women who arevictims of violence can actuallyrebuild themselves throughbusiness creation that can alsocontribute to enable women’sdevelopment on a social andpersonallevelespeciallyincreasingtheirconfidenceinthemselves.The “Six petals cooperative”created by the women who arevictims of violence can be asignificant example for developinga module on entrepreneurshipwithinthetoolkit.

Contact:ManuelaUliviTelephone.02.55015519|02.55019609E-mail:[email protected]:www.cadmi.org


49


toolkit? Contacts

IT-D.i.R.e(Women’sNetworkagainstviolence)-Professionaltrainingandplacementofvictimsofviolence(CAMST)

The National Association D.i.R.e (Women’s Network againstviolence)wasfoundedin2008andisthefirstItalianAssociationofindependentwomen’s centres and shelters against violence,whoseaim is to constitute the first National Coalition to develop andpromote the different experiences of all local centres againstviolenceinItaly.D.i.R.ecoordinates66CentresagainstviolenceandWomen’s Shelters. These Centres, in their twenty-year activitythroughoutItaly,havegivenaidandsupporttothousandsofwomenand their children, have promoted knowledge, research, strategiesand practices in order to strengthen the center’s and shelter’sactivitiesandfacilitateaculturalchangeonviolenceagainstwomeninItaliansociety.It pursues a multi-agency approach coordinating with severalorganisations/institutionsdealingwithdomesticviolence(includingIPV) and a multidimensional approach looking at the domesticviolence (including IPV) phenomenon from different perspectives,andtryingtoprovideseveralanddifferentanswers/services.Specificattentiontothevictim’seconomicindependencetopichasbeendevotedforyears.Recently(inJanuary2016),atWomen’sInternationalHomeinRome,the association D.i.Re organised the first two training daystargeted at anti-violence centres’ practitioners in order topromote and spread specific competencies on job guidance,empowerment and support to job placement for the womengoing to the anti-violence centres. At first, the training activitiesinvolved 30 women from all over Italy but during the year othertraining and exchange sessions will be provided to activate andsupportjobguidanceservicesinallcentresthataremembersoftheD.i.Renetwork.Furthermore,thankstotheGUESSFoundationacontributionwillbealso possible to activate work grants to women, available at 10

Thispractice increases thewomenpossibilities to get the financialindependence through bothspecific job placement activitiesand training addressed toprofessional in order to promoteand spread specific competencieson job guidance, empowermentand support to job placement forthe women going to the anti-violencecentres.Both activities can be of use fordeveloping specific modules onwomen’sjobplacementandhowtorealize training courses forprofessionalscoveringthefinancialindependence issue within thetoolkit.

Contact: D.i.Re - Donne inRetecontrolaviolenzaTelephone:+393927200580Email:[email protected]


50


toolkit? Contacts

selectedcentresthroughoutthecountry.D.i.R.ehasalsobeencommittedfortheseyearsinsupportingthejobplacement of women who have been victims of gender-basedviolence.Asignificantexample is theactioncarriedoutwithin the “E’oradicambiaretono”Project,alongwiththeCAMSTcompany.The CAMST company offers work placements at its productionfacilities (kitchens, self service, canteens, etc.) located throughoutItaly for women escaping from IPV and domestic violence. Theeconomic self-determination is crucial to build a new life free ofviolence. This is the first experience of this kind in Italy and 32womenwerehired.The inclusion in the company has been promoted through anagreementwiththeanti-violencecentresofD.I.Re.Network(WomenAgainstViolenceNetwork)whichincludesnolessthan65women'srefuges.The operators of the centres follow the women in the path ofintegration(tutoring)andensuresecurityandconfidentiality.The CAMST constitutes a socially responsible company and a“sensitive” environment in which processes of awareness onviolenceagainstwomenhavealsobeenpreparedAspartoftheprojectithasalsocreatedthesitewww.puntodonne.it,supported by CAMST and produced by COSPE which has twoobjectives: to inform on legislation and initiatives concerningwomen's rights and, at the same time, offering practical tools towomeninneedwhoseeksupportandprotectiontoescapethespiralofeverydayviolence.

UK-TheHavenWolverhampton

The Haven Wolverhampton is a charitable organisation whichprovides practical and emotional support to women and childrenaffectedbydomesticviolence(includingIPV)andoneofthelargestrefugeprovidersinUK.It pursues a multi-agency approach coordinating with severalorganisations/institutionsdealingdomesticviolenceandIPV.

Thispractice is very specialist andtackles the issue of achievingeconomic independence forviolence victims trough a set ofintegrated support ranging fromcounselling, guidance and training.

Telephone:01902572140email:[email protected]:http://www.havenrefuge.org.uk/get-help/Financial-inclusion


51


toolkit? Contacts

In particular, the Haven Wolverhampton Financial InclusionProjectintheUnitedKingdombeganin2009withsupportfromtheprivateNationwideFoundationInvestorsProgramme.Theinitiativeprovides financial support towomenaffectedbydomesticviolenceandIPVanddeliverstrainingtohelpwomenmakeinformedchoiceswhen dealing with financial institutions. The project also offersadviceandguidanceonbudgeting,moneymanagement,supportandsignposting.Womenhavetheopportunitytoaccesssmallgrantsandvolunteertopromotetheirindependence.TheProjectalsoprovidestrainingtofinancialsectorprofessionalstoimprovetheirknowledgeand understanding of financial abuse toward developing bestpracticeguidelinesforeffectivelysupportingvictims.Indetail,amongtheiractivities:

- FREEspecialistdebtadviceandguidanceonbudgetingandmoneymanagement;

- Moneyadvicegame;- Guidetoachievingeconomicindependenceaftertheabuse;- Trainingprograminworkplace.

It also offers examples of practicaltools (themoney advice game andtheGuide)thatcanbeofuseinthediscussionatThessaloniki.

UK–Women’sAid–ChangethatlastProgram

The national domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid, in widerpartnershipwith domestic abuse charity SafeLives, has launched anewcomprehensiveapproachandschemetotackledomesticabuse(includingIPV)called‘ChangethatLasts’. ‘ChangethatLasts’,whichisfundedbytheBigLotteryFund’sWomenandGirlsInitiative,willbe piloted in Northumbria, Nottinghamshire and Surrey to helpwomen experiencing domestic abuse receive support earlier, andhelpthemtoachievelong-termrecoveryandindependence.Change that Lasts’ is formed of three main schemes within whichwill work together to get victims of domestic abuse to safety,freedomandindependencequickly: ‘AskMe’, ‘TrustedProfessional’and‘SpecialistSupportServices’.‘AskMe’,acommunity-basedcampaign,aimstocreatecommunitiesin which victims can disclose abuse early, and access supportquickly. The scheme will create safe spaces in local business and

This practice is of particularinterest because to design it,Women’sAidhasreviewedcurrentapproaches to tackling domesticabuse and the systems in placewhich are currently not workingeffectively. Victims frequentlyreport to Women’s Aid thatopportunities to help them weremissed. The charity has thereforeproposedanewmodeltoprovideaframework that facilitates theshortest, and/or most effectiveroute to safety, freedom andindependence foreachvictim.This


52


toolkit? Contacts

community settings where women experiencing coercive controlandotherformsofdomesticabusecantalktosomeoneandgethelptheyneedquickly. ‘AskMe’appeals for residentswhowork in jobsthat interact frequentlywith local communities to become an ‘AskMe Ambassador’ and help spot victims of domestic abuse andsignpostwomenforadditionalhelptotheirlocalservices.‘Trusted Professional’, a campaign centred around support andprofessionalservices,willprovidespecifictrainingtothoseworkinginaservicethatare likely tohavecontactwithvictimsofdomesticabuse (including IPV) – for example a health visitor, children’scentre, drug/alcohol support, housing and family intervention. Thetraining will help these professionals to identify the signs ofdomesticabuseandviolence,providesupportandadvice includingsafety-planningandsignpostvictimsaccordingly.‘SpecialistSupportServices’, a specialistdomesticviolenceservicesfocussed schemeworkingwith local services to adopt a strengths-based, needs-led, trauma-informed approach, reflective of theChangeThatLastsmodel.

programme will put the victim atthe heart of it, basing the supportgiven on their individual situationand the resources available tothem; for example, support fromher friends,workplace, or a familynetwork.

US-SanctuaryforFamiliesNetwork-Sanctuary’seconomicempowermentprogramme(EEP)

By1985Sanctuary forFamiliesNetwork isdedicated to thesafety,healing and self-determination of victims of domestic violence(inclusing IPV) and related forms of gender violence (they alsoexpanded our activity in sex trafficking and female genital andmutilationfields).Currentlyitemploysnearly200lawyers,cliniciansandsupportstaff,andoperatesoutof19locationsthroughoutNewYorkCity.Theywereproviding shelter to35womenand children eachnightandoperating adaycareprogram (shelter to over500womenandchildrenareannuallyprovided).According to a multidimensional approach, they offer acomprehensive services for the victims and their children throughoutreach,education, individualconsultancy (psyco-social support),advocacy(legalsupport)andeconomicempowermentservices.In particular, since 2011 this networkhas adopted the Sanctuary’s

This is a very interestingpracticescarriedoutintheUnitedStates.The economic empowermentProgramme has achievedremarkable results in terms ofcapacity tomeet the victim’s needas regards their economicindependence.Their activities can be of use fordeveloping specific modules onwomen’s training and jobplacementwithinthetoolkit.

Contacts:AngeloJ.RiveraDirector,EconomicEmpowermentProgramAddress:POBox1406WallStreetStationNewYork,NY10268Telephone:(212)349–6009Fax:(212)349–6810E-mail:[email protected]:https://www.sanctuaryforfamilies.org/about-us/our-team/More information on details of


53


toolkit? Contacts

economic empowerment programme (EEP) which includes sevencoreprinciples47anda“sevencareerkeys”approach48toworkforcedevelopmentadoptedbythenetworkinordertoresolvestructuralandindividualbarriers.More in detail the seven career keys approach to workforcedevelopmentinclude:a. Professional development, b. Literacy (10th grade or higher), c.Intermediate English proficiency, d. Secondary education, e.IntermediateITskills,f.Occupationalskillsandg.WorkexperienceTheEEPcurriculumcomprises two coreworkshopsandadditionaltrainingcomponents:1. CareerReadinessWorkshop(CRW)2. Four-weekprogram,25hoursperweek3. Careerdevelopmentandplanning4. Resumeandcoverletterwriting5. Interviewskills6. Jobsearchprocess7. OfficeOperationsWorkshop(OOW)8. 14-weekprogram,25hoursperweek9. Informationtechnologytraining10. MicrosoftOfficeCertification11. Readingandmathliteracyskillsbuilding12. Professionaldevelopment13. Civicandcommunityengagement14. Additionaltrainingandsupport15. Certificateprograms16. Adulteducationcourses

the project and the Sanctuary’seconomic empowermentprogramme(EEP)canbe foundin the following link:http://www.sanctuaryforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/EEP_Report_FINAL_FEB-29_NON-PRINT-for-web.pdf

47Thesevencoreprinciplesinclude1.Getting“justanyjob”isnotapathwaytoself-sufficiency,2.Activating“abeliefsystem”,3.Focustrainingonupgradingofficetechnologyskills,4.Meettheliving-wagelabourmarketonitsterms,5.Unleashthepowerofthesocialworkprofession,6.PovertyalleviationgivesthepoorestNewYorkersthespacetheyneedtocompleteintensivetraining,7.Supportiveservicesarecritical.48 The seven career keys approach to workforce development include: a. Professional development, b. Literacy (10th grade or higher), c. Intermediate Englishproficiency,d.Secondaryeducation,e.IntermediateITskills,f.Occupationalskillsandg.Workexperience.


54


toolkit? Contacts

17. Internships18. MentoringThenetworkalsoprovideschildren’sservicesforwomenvictimsofIPVwithchildren,which isoneof themost importantservicesandassistance for women victims of IPV with children. They alsounderline that for victims of IPV, getting “just any job” is not apathway to self-sufficiency.This isvery importantwhen it comes towomenvictimsofIPV.Theaimshouldbetoassistwomeninfindinglong-termemploymentincontrasttoalow-skillsjobwithnogrowthpotentialthatwillnotprovidethemwithfinancialindependenceandpossiblysendthembacktothecycleofviolenceandpoverty.Findingjust any job towomen victims of IPV is probably perpetuating thecurrent situation currently faced by women victims of IPV. Byproviding a holistic approach to women victims of violence fromskill training to finding the right jobwill also relieve the systemofpublicassistance.Over the past five years, EEP has grown into a highly successfulcareer andhard skills trainingprogram that has servedmore than500 domestic violence victims to date, with an impressive 88%programcompletionrate.Theprogramhasconsistentlyachievedplacementratesof66%andoneyearretentionratesof65%forprogramgraduates.EEPgraduateshaveattainedjobswithwages57%higherthanNewYork State’s minimumwage – including numerous graduateswhoobtainedsignificantraisesandpromotions.

US-AllstateFoundation-TheMovingAheadThroughFinancialManagementCurriculumandCareer

Researchshowsthat lackingfinancialknowledgeandresourcesarethe main factors that keep victims in relationships with theirabusers. In this perspective, the Allstate Foundation DomesticViolenceProgramworkingtogetherwithAllstateFinancialprovidesvictimswiththefinancialknowledge,skillsandresourcestheyneed

The Allstate Foundation DomesticViolenceProgramprovidesvictimswith the financial knowledge andskills (to manage their personalfinances)andresourcestosupport

Contact:AllstateFoundationWebpage:http://www.clicktoempower.org/


55


toolkit? Contacts

empowermentcurriculum

togetsafeandstaysafe.According to the multiagency approach, they partner with theNationalNetworktoEndDomesticViolence(NNEDV)49whichoffersarangeofprogrammesandinitiativestoaddressthecomplexcausesandfar-reachingconsequencesofdomesticviolence.Throughcross-sector collaborations and corporate partnerships, NNEDV offerssupport to victims of domestic violence who are escaping abusiverelationships(IPV)–andempowersvictims tobuildnew lives.Thiscollaborationunderlinestheimportanceofbuildingstrongcoalitionsand along the way, filling the gaps that one organisation cannotprovidetowomenvictimsofIPV.More indetails theFoundationhelpswomenexperiencingviolencetobepreparedforthefuturebyhelpingthembetterunderstandandmanage theirpersonal financesand itoffers toolsandresources toachievethesegoals.

1. MovingAheadThroughFinancialManagementCurriculumItincludesstrategiesforaddressingthecomplexfinancialandsafetychallenges of ending a relationship with an abusing partner,information on how to protect personal and financial safety in anabusingrelationship.Afterleavinganabusiverelationship,itcoversmethodsfordealingwiththemisuseoffinancialrecordsandtoolstohelp people of all incomes and earning powerwork towards long-term economic empowerment, including budgeting tools. Thiscurriculum is also provided on-line. These downloadablematerialsareavailablefreeofcostandanypersonalinformationofthevictimsisprotectedandnotshared.In addition Webinars series to expand the victim’s knowledge ofimportantfinancialtopicsareprovided.

2. TheCareerEmpowermentCurriculumItwasdesignedbyWomenEmployed andTheAllstateFoundationparticularly forvictimsofdomesticviolence, tohelp them feel safe

women in their careerempowerment ( search for a jobandjobretention).Al theiractivities canbeofuse fordevelopingspecificmodulesonthefinancial independence issuewithinthetoolkit.Moreover this practice isparticularly interesting because“The Moving Ahead CurriculumThrough Financial Management”was created so that advocates andprograms could use it in multipleways to reach andmeet the needsofthosetheyserve.

49http://nnedv.org/about.html.


56


toolkit? Contacts

andconfidentthroughouttheprocessofgettinga job, tohelpthemelevatetheirthinkingfrom"justgettingajob"to"startingacareer,"and to do so in a way that fully acknowledges the particularchallenges that victims often face. The curriculum refers to manydifferentcareertypes-bluecollarandwhitecollar-andisrelevantforvictimswithanyskillset.Thecurriculumcoversfivekeytopics:Being Safe During the Job Search and at Work; Choosing andPlanning for the Career YouWant Getting Started in Your Career;Preparing for Your Job Search; Sharing Information andCommunicatingthroughouttheJobSearchandatWork.

Produced with the financial support of the Rights, Equality and Citizenship (REC) Programme of the European Union. The contents are the sole responsibility of ActionAid International Italia Onlus and the project partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Commission.

FolkuniversitetetKursverksamheten vid Uppsala universitet

wegoproject.eu

theory and practice in the eu · this report is the final product of the ws 1 – comparative...

Documents