The activity is focused on the development and delivery of training on implementation of the international standards for protection against domestic violence and prevention of this problem. In order to increase the effectiveness of training, it will be offered in various complementary formats (face-to-face and/or e-learning trainings, roundtables, discussions, conferences and self-training – through utilization of self-study resources intended for use in work environment). The content of the various training events will be tailored to the specific needs of professionals in justice, administration and law enforcement on cases involving DGBV.
Alongside the different training activities under the project, a case management guide on DGBV-issues, incorporating the relevant European standards will be developed in Bulgarian to support the day-to-day work of the magistrates. It will be elaborated on the basis of the translation and adaptation of the training resources developed by the Council of Europe, and will provide guidance on the efficient handling of cases, thus ensuring uniformity and consistency of the case law. The handbook will outline problems and challenges in investigation and resolution of domestic violence cases.
The case management guide will be officially presented within a public event, specially organized for this purpose, which will be attended by the team of experts (both national and international) who have developed the Guide and representatives of the professional community.
The trainings, trainings materials and the case management guide will contribute to raising the awareness of magistrates, other legal professionals and experts to the relevant institutions on the recognized international standards for prevention and counteraction to domestic and gender-based violence, as well as to strengthening their capacity to implement these standards in a more effective way. From this perspective, the trainings, the training materials and the case management guide constitute capacity building instruments, aimed at establishment of a common understanding, uniform practice on DGBV cases and improved cooperation between the competent authorities with a view to providing a more effective institutional response to domestic and gender-based violence.
Activity outcomes:
- Held a total of 14 training events, delivered in various training formats (face-to-face and e-learning trainings, discussions, roundtables, conferences, etc.) in which a minimum number of 300 legal professionals are trained to work with victims of DGBV;
- Developed case management guide on DGBV-issues for magistrates – available in electronic format and printed in up to 500 copies.