The initiative consists of providing free and anonymous legal assistance to women who are discriminated against and experiencing violence (both in their professional and private lives), as well as involving institutions that can limit such discrimination or provide assistance to people experiencing discrimination.
The project will last one year; it began on 1 March 2015 and will end on 29 February 2016. People needing support in this area are asked by the foundation to contact it by telephone at 606 655 499.
Almost 150 hours of counselling and more than 70 hours of legal advice from a lawyer for women who have been harmed are planned. The counselling will consist of a lawyer speaking with the person seeking support, determining her legal needs, providing information about possible solutions and, if necessary, preparing procedural documents. The lawyer will contact the relevant institution or court to represent the interests of the person who has been harmed.
The project also includes workshop and training sessions for a group of people employed by institutions that assist people in crisis situations (including the police, municipal police, MOPS, PUP, the Municipal Office and the Emergency Department), as well as for psychologists and psychiatrists.
According to a report prepared by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, one in five Polish women admits to having experienced violence. The report also shows that victims of physical or sexual violence often do not know where to seek help.
UM Legnica/ii