The opening of the Lea Shelter for Women and Children Victims of Domestic Violence, established within the framework of the “Safe Woman – Strong Family” project, supported by the Municipality of Bar, represents an important step towards strengthening the protection and support available to victims of violence. By establishing a safe space for women and children who have experienced violence, the project has created conditions for their immediate protection, recovery, and gradual empowerment. The very existence of the Shelter represents an important resource for the community, providing women and children with a place where they can feel safe, accepted, and supported in times of crisis.
The need for such a service became evident through the experiences and numerous calls received from women who, already during the first weeks of the Shelter’s operation, reached out for advice, information, and support. This clearly demonstrates the importance of having a safe place in Bar and along the Montenegrin coast where women and children can access assistance when they need it most.
The key results of the “Safe Woman – Strong Family” project are reflected in improved safety, protection, and support for women and children who are victims of violence. Thanks to the support mechanisms established through the project, a greater number of victims of violence now have access to emergency assistance, safe accommodation, counselling, and other forms of support that are essential for their protection and recovery.
Through the implementation of information campaigns and workshops, the project has contributed to raising community awareness of domestic violence, improving its recognition, and emphasizing the importance of timely reporting. A particularly important achievement has been encouraging women to seek help, report violence, and take the first steps towards leaving violent situations.
Another significant result of the project is the strengthening of multisectoral cooperation, through improved coordination and collaboration among relevant institutions, organizations, and other stakeholders, with the aim of ensuring a more effective response to violence and providing comprehensive support to victims.
Further recognition of the project’s importance and impact is reflected in the fact that GREVIO – the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence of the Council of Europe – recognized and mentioned the Lea Shelter in its 2024 report. This represents an important indication of the Shelter’s visibility and credibility, as well as recognition of the importance of establishing sustainable support services for women and children who are victims of violence.
Through the “Safe Woman – Strong Family” project, the quality and accessibility of support services for victims of violence have been improved, while the community has been encouraged to play a more active role in violence prevention and support. In this way, important foundations have been laid for the development of a sustainable system of protection, support, and empowerment for women and children who have experienced violence, as well as for building a community that responds to violence in a timely, coordinated, and responsible manner.
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