Project Information
Project Reference: 2023-3-RO01-KA210-YOU-000172946
Status: Completed
Duration: March 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025
EU Grant: 60,000 EUR
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Small-scale Partnerships in Youth
Countries Involved: Romania, Turkey, Lithuania, France
Background
Domestic violence continues to be a critical issue affecting many young women across Europe. Many victims do not receive adequate support, either due to silence, fear, or lack of accessible services. The “Beyond Silence” project was created to respond to this challenge by offering young women a safe space to express themselves and receive help. At the same time, it supports youth workers in learning how to guide and advocate for survivors more effectively.
Objectives
The project aims to empower young women who have experienced domestic violence and provide them with tools for healing. It also works to improve the skills of youth workers who support them. Key goals include creating safe and supportive environments, increasing confidence through creative activities, and producing useful educational tools. The project also focuses on raising awareness about the rights of young women and the services available to them.
Implementation
The project was carried out by four partner organisations from Romania, Turkey, Lithuania, and France. The implementation began with a kick-off meeting in France to plan activities and responsibilities. Later, youth workers took part in an international training activity in Romania, where they gained knowledge and practical tools for working with survivors. Further activities included creative and therapeutic sessions in Turkey, which brought together young women and youth workers from partner countries.
Key Activities
A variety of activities were organised to support both young women and youth workers. These included training and capacity-building sessions, creative expression workshops, and therapeutic exercises. A conference in Lithuania helped share project results with a wider audience. Each partner country also organised local dissemination activities. Additionally, the project developed a practical toolkit for youth workers and an informational booklet for young women, explaining their rights and access to support services.
Results
The project helped young women gain confidence, emotional strength, and a better understanding of their rights. Youth workers improved their professional skills and learned how to better support survivors through informed and empathetic approaches. The project materials, including the toolkit and booklet, offer long-lasting resources that can be used in future youth initiatives. These results also contributed to increased awareness in local communities.
Impact
“Beyond Silence” created lasting change by building an international network of empowered young women and trained youth workers. It encouraged more open conversations about domestic violence and helped reduce stigma around the topic. The project’s resources and partnerships will continue to support young women and professionals beyond the project’s duration. Through its activities, it also strengthened community awareness and encouraged reporting of abuse. The project’s influence is expected to continue through ongoing collaboration, education, and local engagement.
