Accessibility Tools

You are not alone – preventing abuse of young children

Project Promoter: ZERO-PIĘĆ. Fundacja na rzecz zdrowia psychicznego małych dzieci
Proposal: 1st thematic call
Co-financed from the program: 98 204,77 EUR
Partners: None
Duration time: 01.10.2021-30.09.2023

The aim of the project is to increase the availability and effectiveness of psychological support for families in the Wielkopolska Region with children aged 0-7 experiencing or at risk of emotional violence in the family. We want to implement preventive measures aimed at counteracting social exclusion of families that need help presently, as well as children from such families in the future. The scale of the phenomenon of domestic violence against children in Poland is illustrated by the Empowering Children Foundation’s research report of 2018. The data revealed that 41% of children experienced domestic violence from close adults – 33% of children were victims of physical violence, and 20% of psychological violence. Data from the the Municipal Family Assistance Centre in Poznan (2020) shows that professional support for families where violence was suspected was offered to 4346 people and 1623 ‘Blue Card’ procedures were initiated. A lack of professional support can lead to serious and permanent disorders in the psychological and physical functioning of a child and later adults. Abused children should receive help as early as possible, so that they can cope with effects of traumatic experiences more effectively. The project has two target groups. The first are children and their families who will be offered psychological counseling, take part in workshops and therapeutic groups. The second group is professionals working with families in need of help. We will provide them with training on the most difficult problems related to trauma (relational, developmental), as well as supervision and consultation. Participation in the project will enable the professionals to increase their competences necessary to effectively support families affected by domestic violence against children.