SHELTER - Mutual learning programme on how to support victims of domestic violence at a local level

2026-07-22

Domestic violence remains one of societies’ biggest challenges, rooted in gender inequality. It is a violation of human rights and the most brutal form of discrimination on the basis of sex, and results from unequal power relations between women and men. European local governments are at the frontline to help victims of domestic violence, providing information and entry points to services, as well as coordinating support for individuals across networks of service providers and NGOs. They are central in ensuring protection, assistance, and specialist support to victims, before, during and after judicial proceedings, and in facilitating access to justice for victims/survivors. The general objective of this project is to contribute to the implementation of the first pillar of the 2020-2025 Gender Equality Strategy by setting ambitious policy objectives and actions to support civil society and public services in combating the effects of gender-based violence on the victims. The consortium will achive this by the provision of complex services to victims of domestic violence, including women and their children on a local level that support them in their independence, enabling victims to gain back their ability to participate fully in all aspects of society. This includes: ● mutual learning activities, including study visits to gain hands-on experiences of best practices, and online workshops focusing on housing, financial assistance policy, and working with medical professionals and institutions ● policy development focusing on the long-term support of victims and their independence ● development of targeted support activities to victims belonging to groups at increased risk of violence (especially Roma, disabled women and children) ● piloting coordinated services and policy experimentation in the 8th district of Budapest, including capacity building activities for professionals ● disseminating the learnings and outcomes to European service providers.

Hungary, Italy

2026-03-01