In the midst of the "nightmare" of domestic violence, the project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness to improve access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence," implemented by HAGAR International in Vietnam, has served as a lifeline for the lives of women and children who have been subjected to violence. With the dedicated and responsible participation of local members, the project has kindled new hope for these unfortunate lives.
Thanh Nga - Diep Thanh | Publication date: November 27, 2024
LESSON 2: A lifeline for those in need.
In the midst of the "nightmare" of domestic violence, the project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness to improve access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence," implemented by HAGAR International in Vietnam, has served as a lifeline for the lives of women and children who have been subjected to violence. With the dedicated and responsible participation of local members, the project has kindled new hope for these unfortunate lives.
A shift in perception
Following a survey period, the project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness in improving access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence" was implemented in Quynh Luong and Quynh Thang communes, Quynh Luu district. The project aims to enhance the safety, welfare, and voice of women and girls who are victims of violence, specifically domestic violence and sexual abuse, and those at risk.
Local officials participating in the project have had their capacity strengthened in preventing violence against women and children through the project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness in improving access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence". Photo: CSCCLocal officials participating in the project have had their capacity strengthened in preventing violence against women and children through the project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness in improving access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence". Photo: CSCCLocal officials participating in the project have had their capacity strengthened in preventing violence against women and children through the project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness in improving access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence". Photo: CSCC
One of the project's first activities was the establishment of a project team, comprised of respected community members in the communes. With the goal of strengthening the capacity of 80% of local officials participating in the project to prevent and combat violence against women and children, the project focused on capacity building training for this group. As the head of the project team and also the leader of the rapid response team, Mr. Ho Nguyen Tuan – Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Quynh Luong commune – shared: “I feel fortunate to participate in this meaningful project. The first value the project brings is a change in my own awareness. When the awareness of officials is raised, the people benefit.”
At the district and commune levels, after participating in training, officials have become more active and proactive in handling and supporting cases of gender-based violence. They have adhered to the principles of supporting victims of violence and have coordinated with each other in assisting with cases. As a result, many cases of violence have been addressed, building trust with the community and with the victims themselves.
The responsible involvement of local officials in preventing and combating domestic violence contributes to the benefit of the people. Photo: CSCC
In parallel with training and education, to ensure that victim support is carried out in a comprehensive and in-depth manner, the Women's Union of Quynh Luu district established two clubs: "Responsible Men" and "New Life." These clubs not only provide knowledge about gender equality, violence against women and girls, and state regulations, but also raise awareness of women's rights, help women increase their self-confidence, change men's perceptions, and help men control factors that cause violence, while also creating livelihoods and economic development for households.
Working alongside the victims through the night.
As an active member of the rapid response team, Mr. Ho Dien Canh (Quynh Thang commune) said: “Our rapid response team is always ready to rescue victims of domestic violence whenever notified, at any time of day. There are situations where we have to stay up all night, secretly take victims away in taxis, or call on the police to intervene… After persuading men to join the “Responsible Men” club, project members have to make many home visits to understand the situation and build close relationships.”
Members of the project “Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness to improve access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence” assess the situation of domestic violence in households in Quynh Thang commune, Quynh Luu district. Photo: CSCC
Since taking on the role of Deputy Head of the project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness to improve access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence," Ms. Bui Thi Thoa - President of the Women's Association of Quynh Luong commune - has never turned off her phone.
“I am fortunate to have earned the trust of many women, who confide in me about their family situations and listen to their anxieties. Some counseling sessions last for hours, guiding victims to escape their homes and find safe havens late at night. There are also victims suffering from depression who come to me every night to share their stories. Because some of the abuse stories are so horrific, I was haunted by them for a long time,” Thoa confided.
Ms. Bui Thi Thoa - Chairperson of the Women's Association of Quynh Luong Commune, Quynh Luu District
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Listening to the heartaches of victims of domestic violence, some of their stories were so horrific that they haunted me for a long time.
Ms. Bui Thi Thoa - Chairperson of the Women's Association of Quynh Luong Commune, Quynh Luu District
The dynamism, enthusiasm, and responsibility of the club's management team, along with the attention of the Party Committee, the People's Committee, and the commune's project management board, have effectively promoted the clubs' activities, creating opportunities for members to interact, learn, and share solutions for building prosperous families, contributing to the development of cultural life in the community.
Through peer support clubs for men and women, people's awareness of domestic violence is gradually changing. Photo: CSCC
Through the club's activities, 95 cases of violence victims were addressed, fostering sharing and empathy within the community; members of the rapid response team made 375 visits, supporting 300 violence victims; plans and lists of proposed support for 17 cases of gender-based violence were developed, and one case of child sexual abuse and one case showing signs of trafficking were referred to higher authorities.
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