The South Baltic Area-Violence Free Zone

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Domestic violence against women difines as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. Some historians believe that the history of domestic violence against women is tied to the history of women being viewed as property and a gender role assigned to be subservient to men and also other women. Health consequences can result directly from violent acts or from the long-term effects of violence: injuries, death, sexual and reproductive health, risky behaviours and metal problems. The social and economic costs of domestic violence against women are enormous and have ripple effects throughout society. Women may suffer isolation, inability to work, loss of wages, lack of participation in regular activities, and limited ability to care for themselves and their children. 45% of all women in the South Baltic area have been subjected to and suffered from men’s violence. There is no specialized budget line for the fight against domestic violence against women, long term coordination action plan and social awareness. The main objective of this project is to build the durable network of organisations and institutions combating domestic violence against women in the South Baltic area and adopted the long-term agreement between the representatives of the local authorities from Karshlamn (Sweden), Gdansk (Poland), Kretinga (Lithuania) and Kaliningrad Region. Moreover, because of the lack of the awareness of domestic violence against women among the local communities, we are planning the social campaign that helps to persuade all people that domestic violence against women is the one of the worst crime that hampers the regional local development. Within the project three study-visits and seminars will be organized in Gdansk, Kretinga and Karshlamn. Partners and the representatives of the local authorities and NGO’s will participate in above events by visiting shelters for victims of violence, the NGO’s offices that combat domestic violence against women, participating in the open debate and meeting with the politician and exchanging experiences. Moreover it will be organised the final conference in Gdansk where the regional report will be presented “Domestic Violence against Women in the Baltic Sea are” and the long-term agreement between the representatives of the local authorities will be signed. The South Baltic Area Network will be established to promote Free Violence Zone and start common cross-border cooperation. Further it will be created the project website.

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