Project Period: January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025
Implementing Partner: Woman to Woman (Gruaja tek Gruaja)
Financed by: IAMANEH Schweiz
English Summary
The Emergency Shelter for Victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in northern Albania addresses the urgent need for protection and comprehensive support for survivors, particularly women, girls, and children. In Shkodër Prefecture, GBV remains a widespread issue, with rural and isolated communities facing significant barriers to accessing justice and essential services.
Overall Goal:
The project aims to reduce the prevalence and impact of GBV by providing immediate safety, comprehensive care, and long-term empowerment to survivors, enabling them to transition from crisis to stability and independence.
Key Objectives:
- Immediate Protection: Offer emergency shelter and essential services (e.g., food, hygiene, medical care) to 30 GBV survivors during the project period.
- Emotional Recovery: Provide psychological counseling and trauma support for survivors, including children affected by violence.
- Legal Empowerment: Deliver legal assistance to survivors to help them secure protection orders, divorce, and custody rights.
- Community Awareness: Strengthen local response mechanisms and raise community awareness to foster systemic change and reduce tolerance for GBV.
Planned Activities:
- Emergency Shelter Services: A safe, specialized space providing short-term accommodation (48 hours to two weeks) and round-the-clock security.
- Psychological and Legal Counseling: Professional therapy and legal support tailored to survivors’ needs, ensuring emotional recovery and access to justice.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Work with municipalities, police, healthcare providers, and NGOs to strengthen the referral and support systems.
Key Elements:
- Intervention Zone: Shkodër, Malësi e Madhe, Vau i Dejës, Pukë, and Fushë Arrëz, focusing on rural and underserved areas.
- Beneficiaries: 30 GBV survivors (women, girls, and children), with targeted support for marginalized groups such as women with disabilities and ethnic minorities.
- Implementation Partners: Municipalities, local NGOs, law enforcement, social services, healthcare providers, and vocational training centers.
By addressing both immediate and systemic needs, this project aims to break the cycle of violence, empower survivors, and contribute to a safer and more equitable society in northern Albania.