The work on prevention aims at promoting action before a problem occurs. It builds on and encourages a person’s ability to be prepared with information and knowledge, and think about the consequences of his/her choices. It provides an opportunity for self-examination on the strengths and weaknesses of his/her decision-making process. It can also ensure alternative and preventative actions before an incident occurs.
In order to have prevention, at least three things are needed:
- The recognition and acknowledgment of the fact that violence is a serious problem in our society.
- Compassion for victims of violence and concern for issues that affect women, adolescents, and children who have suffered or could suffer violence.
- Strength and courage to talk openly about difficult issues, such as domestic violence, sexual violence, and trafficking in women.
The aim of prevention is to make people consider the problem of violence between human beings as a problem of human relations in great depth and detail.
Prevention work done by “Animus Association” has several dimensions.
- It could be directed to the broad public. Thus, its aim would be to spread awareness of the problem in society. In this case, the messages of prevention would be directed to the average citizen, which requires effective communication skills. The main massage to the broad public may be to stop victimising survivors of violence. Mass media is the most appropriate tool for disseminating psychological information on violence and its victims.
- Prevention also has another dimension: involvement of groups of people, organizations, and institutions in prevention, which, like a rolling snowball, allows us to widen its scope. This is possible by educating and involving other people in our ideas. We may use different means to achieve this goal. An effective method is to train other women’s groups and professional organizations in the implementation of local prevention campaigns.
- The content of prevention messages should be different when they are directed at potential victims. With this in mind, meetings with risk groups can be organized and direct messages can be sent. Various brochures and leaflets providing information about the risks of violence and the ways to cope with them are produced and distributed. The Help-line is another easily accessible opportunity to share necessary information and discuss available choices.
Prevention
A major part of prevention is the prevention of trafficking in women and is carried out within “La Strada” programme.
Brochures and leaflets for the prevention of violence:
1. “Violence and its Victims” - collected papers of Bulgarian experts on the issue – psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists and sociologists, 1997 (Bulgarian and English).
2. “Travel Guide for Modern Girls (Some Ideas before You Go Abroad)” – information brochure for young women from schools and universities.
3. “A story of a Girl” – information brochure for illiterate young women.
4. “A Small Book for the Big World”- information brochure for sex workers.
5. “Trafficking in Women: Questions and Answers”- collected papers of Bulgarian experts: psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, journalists and lawyers.
6. “Centre for rehabilitation of Women, Adolescent, and Children Victims of Violence”- information leaflet, presenting the programs, the services, and the contact procedures of the Centre.
7. “Mission Statement of Animus Association Foundation” – information leaflet presenting the mission, the policy and the aims of the organization.
8. “Domestic Violence” – information leaflet for potential users and the public.
9. “Sexual Violence” – information leaflet for potential users and the public.
10. “Trafficking in Women” – information leaflet for potential users and the public.