Domestic violence-not with us! 27 June -5 July 2011 Poland, Nowy Sacz “SOS - Families at risk” Foundation VARNA, BULGARIA

Overview History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements + BONUS /Video of a public campaign/

“SOS – Families at risk” Foundation was established in 1998 in the city of Varna, Bulgaria as a non-government non-profit organization functioning as a social services’ provider. Mission: To improve the quality of life and raise society’s sensitivity, responsibility and engagement towards children, families and groups at risk or potential risk of negative social phenomenon. History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Organization’s activities structure Section ”Violence and trafficking in human beings” Section “Discrimination and human rights” Section “Disease prevention and health promotion” Direction “Judicial help and advocacy” Direction “Recovery and reintegration” Training and research Counseling and assistance Training and research Education and research Outreach work

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Team At the present the organization has 13 full time and 9 part time employees among which: psychologists, lawyers, social workers, a medical doctor, a nurse, etc. Also a team of up to 10 volunteers contribute to achieve organization’s goals.

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Closely related legislation The Protection against Domestic Violence Act, adopted in 2005 The Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Act, adopted in 2003 On 9 th September 2010 nine experienced NGOs from all over the country working on the issues of domestic violence decided to establish a bigger and stronger body called “Alliance for protection against domestic violence” and “SOS families at risk” Foundation is part of the managing board of this alliance.

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Services Center for social rehabilitation and reintegration, telephone line 9,00-17,00h /Autonomous financing, mainly through projects/ Crisis center for women and children suffering from domestic violence /Governmental financing, as a state delegated activity/ Shelter for temporary accommodation of victims of trafficking in human beings /Governmental financing through The National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings/

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements In 2006 “SOS – Families at risk” Foundation has agreed upon and undersigned a Cooperation Memorandum with Varna Regional Court to execute so called “Court watch” or “Monitoring” over cases of domestic violence. A partnership project of BGRF and SOS Families in Risk Foundation was implemented in entitled “Civil monitoring and statistics on cases, related to domestic violence as an instrument for change” “SOS – Families at risk” Foundation has completed two rounds for a project with 1 year duration for “Civic watch” in the Police, concerning citizens’ access to services and conditions under arrests. Funded by Open Society Foundation, Bulgaria N.B! Both initiatives rely on volunteers

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Expert representation in public bodies “SOS – Families at risk” Foundation has 4 representatives in the following public bodies: Management board of Alliance for Protection against domestic violence Local commission dealing with children’s adoptions Consultation council on HIV/AIDS on a local level Municipal Youth consultation council, headed by the mayor of Varna Local commission for Combating trafficking in human beings

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements At the same time “SOS – Families at risk” Foundation periodically organizes and conducts trainings, seminars, round tables for raising awareness, building capacity, favor important public debates, etc.

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements 16 days of activism to prevent violence against women Open doors Acceptance room, with various professionals Informational campaigns and mass media presence Forum theater (social) Public concerts with children

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Participation in annual Youth Festival Organizing social events and happenings for the wide public

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Prevention modules in primary and secondary schools on the following topics: Violence in personal relationships Domestic violence School violence Sexual violence Preventing of trafficking in human beings Risky sexual behavior Health promotion

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Prevention work in institutions like homes for children lacking parental care, day centers for young people with disorders, etc.

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Case management is being practiced with clients primarily in our crisis center and shelter, where a social worker is trying to respond to the individual need the best way possible.

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Many thanks to MTO, and all the participants we wish best of luck and lots of courage and enthusiasm to pursue your personal and professional goals. You are kindly invited to visit Bulgaria, and especially Varna, known as the seaside capital of the country.

History Legal context Intervention work Collaborations Prevention work Community level Group level Individual level Acknowledgements Contact information

Contact information “SOS - Families at risk” Foundation Bulgaria, 9002 Varna 32 “Slavyanska” str. Tel: +359/ (0) Thank you for your attention!