On Friday, June 27, 2025, professionals from various sectors will gather at the "Bulgaria" hotel to discuss comprehensive approaches to combating gender-based violence. The initiative is being implemented under the project "The NEdded Social Change to Exit VIOLENCE", funded by the Bulgarian Women's Fund.
The main focus of the forum is the development of sustainable preventive strategies that combine educational activities, prevention mechanisms, and direct support for victims. Participants will analyze existing practices and seek innovative solutions for inter-institutional cooperation.
Among the key participants are representatives of local and regional institutions, non-governmental organizations, and expert circles. Special emphasis will be placed on the experience of the "Universe" Center - the first national center for supporting victims of sexual violence.
The center, established in June 2016, operates through a large-scale partnership between the Burgas Municipality, Sozopol Municipality, Regional Prosecution Office, Regional Police Directorate, Regional Administration, and Burgas University Hospital.
The innovative model is developed based on a British example, drawing from the experience of the Sexual Violence Support Service in Brighton, West Sussex. The British Embassy in Bulgaria played a key role in initiating this unique social project.
The ultimate goal of today's seminar is to build a more effective coordination mechanism that ensures comprehensive protection and support for victims of domestic and gender-based violence.