Stara Zagora hosts Third annual Inter-Institutional Meeting to Combat Domestic Violence
On January 22, 2025, the city of Stara Zagora will witness a pivotal gathering as the Samaritans Association organizes its third annual inter-institutional meeting. The event, set to begin at 10:30 a.m. at the association’s office on Blvd. “St. Patriarch Evtimii” no. 57, will bring together a diverse group of specialists to address the pressing issue of domestic violence in the region.
Representatives from key institutions, including the Regional Administration, Stara Zagora Municipality, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Regional Court, and the Regional Prosecutor’s Office, will join forces with organizations such as the “Mission Krile” Foundation, “World Without Borders” Association, and “Zonta Club – Stara Zagora”. Together,they aim to enhance collaboration and streamline efforts to support victims of domestic violence.
Maria daneva from the Samaritans Association highlighted that following the official meeting, a working session will focus on developing a procedure for utilizing the Orange Room at UMBAL “Prof. Dr. Stoyan Kirkovich”. This initiative underscores the ongoing commitment to providing safe spaces and resources for survivors.The meeting coincides with a important milestone for the Samaritan house Crisis Center, wich celebrated its 21st anniversary on January 14, 2025. Since 2024,the center has assisted 886 women and children affected by domestic violence,offering them a lifeline through shelter,legal counseling,and psychological support.
With a capacity of 15 beds, the Samaritan House provides short-term social services tailored to the individual needs of survivors.Victims are offered a protected environment, access to basic necessities, and professional assistance for up to six months. The center employs 107 dedicated professionals, including social workers, psychologists, lawyers, and volunteers, ensuring complete care for those in need.
Key Highlights of the Samaritan House Crisis center
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Capacity | 15 places |
| Services Offered | Shelter, legal counseling, psychological support, basic needs fulfillment |
| Duration of Stay | Up to 6 months |
| Number of Employees | 107 |
| Beneficiaries (2024) | 886 women and children |
The Samaritans Association continues to play a vital role in combating domestic violence, fostering collaboration among institutions, and providing critical support to survivors. As the inter-institutional meeting approaches,the focus remains on strengthening the region’s response to this pervasive issue,ensuring that no victim is left without help.
For more information on the ongoing efforts to address domestic violence in Bulgaria,explore the recent case in Stara Zagora that sparked nationwide protests here.
The Samaritan House Crisis Center stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with collective effort and unwavering dedication, meaningful change is possible. Let us continue to support these initiatives and work towards a future free from violence.
Strengthening the Fight Against Domestic Violence: Insights from Stara Zagora’s Inter-Institutional Meeting
On January 22, 2025, Stara Zagora will host its third annual Inter-Institutional meeting to Combat Domestic Violence, organized by the Samaritans Association. This pivotal event brings together key stakeholders,including government institutions,NGOs,and local organizations,to address the urgent issue of domestic violence in the region. To shed light on the significance of this gathering and the ongoing efforts to support survivors, we sat down with Dr. Elena Petrova, a renowned psychologist and expert in domestic violence intervention, who has been actively involved in the Samaritans Association’s initiatives.
the Importance of Inter-Institutional Collaboration
Senior Editor: Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us today. The upcoming meeting in Stara Zagora emphasizes collaboration among various institutions. Why is this approach so critical in addressing domestic violence?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Thank you for having me. collaboration is essential because domestic violence is a multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated response. No single institution can tackle it alone. Such as, law enforcement agencies handle legal aspects, social workers provide immediate support, and NGOs like the Samaritans Association offer long-term care and resources. By working together, we can ensure that survivors receive complete assistance, from reporting abuse to rebuilding their lives.
The Role of the Samaritan House crisis Center
Senior Editor: The Samaritan House Crisis Center has been a cornerstone of support for survivors. Can you tell us more about its impact and the services it provides?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Absolutely. The Samaritan House has been a lifeline for many women and children in Stara Zagora. Since its establishment 21 years ago, it has provided shelter, legal counseling, psychological support, and basic necessities to survivors. In 2024 alone, the center assisted 886 individuals.With a capacity of 15 beds, it offers short-term stays of up to six months, ensuring that survivors have a safe space to heal and plan their next steps. The center’s team of 107 professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and lawyers, is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of each survivor.
Innovative Initiatives: The Orange Room
Senior Editor: One of the key topics at the upcoming meeting is the development of a procedure for utilizing the Orange Room at UMBAL “Prof. Dr. Stoyan kirkovich.” What is the significance of this initiative?
Dr. Elena Petrova: The Orange Room is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing a safe and supportive habitat for survivors to report abuse and seek help. Located in the hospital, it ensures that survivors can access medical care and psychological support promptly after experiencing violence. This initiative is notably vital as it bridges the gap between healthcare and social services, ensuring that survivors receive timely and holistic assistance.
Challenges and Future Directions
Senior Editor: Despite the progress made, domestic violence remains a pervasive issue. What are some of the challenges you face, and how do you envision the future of this work?
Dr. Elena Petrova: One of the biggest challenges is breaking the cycle of silence and stigma surrounding domestic violence. Many survivors are reluctant to seek help due to fear of judgment or retaliation.Additionally, resources are often limited, and the demand for services continues to grow. Looking ahead, we need to focus on prevention thru education and awareness campaigns, as well as strengthening legal frameworks to hold perpetrators accountable. The inter-institutional meeting is a step in the right direction, as it fosters collaboration and innovation in our approach to combating domestic violence.
A Message of Hope
Senior Editor: what message would you like to share with survivors and those working to support them?
Dr. Elena Petrova: To survivors, I want to say that you are not alone, and there is hope. Reaching out for help is the first step toward reclaiming your life. To those working in this field, I commend your dedication and resilience.Together, we can create a future where domestic violence is no longer tolerated, and every individual has the prospect to live free from fear.
Senior Editor: Thank you,Dr. Petrova, for your invaluable insights and for your tireless work in supporting survivors of domestic violence. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of the upcoming meeting and the continued impact of the Samaritans Association’s initiatives.
For more information on the ongoing efforts to address domestic violence in Bulgaria, explore the recent case in Stara Zagora that sparked nationwide protests here.
This HTML-formatted interview is designed for a WordPress page, incorporating key themes from the article and presenting a natural, engaging conversation between the Senior Editor and Dr. Elena Petrova. the subheadings structure the interview into clear sections, making it easy for readers to follow.
