1. Crisis counseling and referral through S.O.S help lines (National S.O.S Line 15 -315 and Telephone of confidence 02 / 3173-424). 02/3 173-424)

The National SOS line and the Telephone of confidence are available for the entire territory 24/7. The information shared on the help lines are confidential and special emphasis is placed on ensuring callers privacy and anonymity. The help lines are operated by CC “Hope” staff, more precisely trained volunteers and supervisors which depending on the nature of the call refer the victims towards the next steps and measures that need to be undertaken in order of their protection. The referral is always done taking in mind callers needs and their best interest. The staff is well trained to work in crisis situations, has great listening and communication skills, and has adequate knowledge in community resources, gender, religious and cultural issues.

2. Emotional empowerment and initial legal aid through education for victims of domestic violence.

With the education the victim is provided with adequate psychosocial support and encouragement in the process of finding solution for their problem. Educational sessions with victims of domestic violence who are led by a professional team (psychologist, social worker and lawyer who also have attended the training and treatment of victims of domestic violence), are aimed at psychosocial support and strengthening the victim while making important decisions about her future, as well raising awareness about opportunities she has, especially in terms of legal procedures that can be initiated and connected to this help in preparation of various documents. The education takes place in a separate room within the premises of the Crisis Center "Hope" lasts approximately one and a half hour, depending on the problem that the victim has and it can be repeated.

3. Crisis sheltering in a period of 24 – 48 hours, with capacity of sheltering 5 – 7 victims at a time. 

During this period apart from the safe sheltering victims and their children get psychosocial support and their basic need are meet (food, clothing, bedding, hygiene items and medicaments). The users of our services especially those that have been sheltered are escorted to the next institution competent for long term sheltering of the victim.  

The trained staff of Crisis Center " Hope " almost 10 years continuously works on protection, education and raising awareness and knowledge about domestic violence through workshops, trainings and campaigns that include promotional/informational materials for the work of the association, media interviews for television, statements for the print media, as well as its own website. We use all of these different tools for presentation of our work and exploration of the problem of domestic violence, its dynamics, escalation and most importantly information for self protection or for helping somebody else.

Domestic violence

The development of the preventive program begins in 2004 and since then we have implemented more than 20 projects in more than 10 cities (Debar, Prilep, Strumica, Kumanovo, Kicevo etc.) on the territory of Macedonia, with special emphasis on the City of Skopje and the Municipality of Gazi Baba. We are experienced in working with the following target groups: women, rural women, young women and girls and boys high schools. It is important to note that while working with different ethnic groups we take into account the cultural specificities of each group associated with risks of violence against women and domestic violence.

Violence against women

The preventive work in this section is consisted of workshops and trainings for young girls and women, introduction to the problem of violence against women (sexual harassment in school, on the streets, on the workplace, violence by intimate partner, violence from a family member, etc.). Through these workshops and trainings definitions of violent versus healthy relationship are presented and explained, then myths and facts about sexual harassment, personal care and steps for assistance and protection from institutions of the system.

In addition, the workshops and trainings are dynamic and interactive, with chances for debate and discussion with the participants where they can express their views on the above issues, the impact of society, pop culture and the media on their views and attitudes.

Comments from participants:

„There should be more organizations to protect women’s rights.“

„I liked most that the workshop was relaxed, interesting and very useful. We should know these things.“

„I find the workshop as very useful. We should have the possibility to attend more similar workshops in order to be well informed.“