During the period of November 25-29, 2023, in the city of Oslo, Norway, a working visit and exchange of experience were conducted as part of the activities within the project "Implementation of Effective Integrated Approaches in the Field of Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Violence," funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021.

The main goal of the working visit was to familiarize with the mechanisms for providing direct support to victims of violence, dealing with perpetrators of violence, learning about successful practices in Norway, understanding institutions and their functions, as well as exploring opportunities for support and collaboration.

During the working visit, experts from the PULSE Foundation and representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Bulgaria, had the opportunity to meet with representatives of various institutions and organizations. It was a pleasure for us to visit the Bulgarian Sunday School "Rodna Rech" in Oslo, Norway. During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the activities of the school, its students, and teachers.

Our meeting with Ms. Lene Nilsen, Senior Advisor at the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security, was particularly fruitful. We had the opportunity to learn about legislation and the organization of work with individuals who are victims of crimes.

Ms. Leila Sbay, Information Advisor at the organization ROSA, presented the activities of the ROSA organization.

The presentation by Mrs. Rachel Paul was exceptionally inspiring. Since 2018, she has been a member of the Expert Group on Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence at the Council of Europe, and she acquainted the audience with her work. Her work focuses on immigrant women, human trafficking, forced marriages, and violence against women. Mrs. Paul has been the head of several assistance programs aimed at women and girls in the Middle East, funded by the Norwegian government. She served as the program manager for the capacity-building program, democracy, and human rights at Norwegian Church Aid for Iraq. She is a member of the board of Legal Aid for Women (JURK) and women's shelters in Oslo. Additionally, she is a member of the government-appointed Commission on Violence against Women.

The ensuing discussion, prompted by the information presented by the participants, highlighted the differences in the role of the government sector in addressing domestic violence and gender-based violence, as well as the activities of crisis centers in Bulgaria and Norway.

Our delegation had the opportunity to visit the oldest crisis center in Oslo, Norway. During the meeting, Mrs. Inger Larsen, the General Manager of the Crisis Center, was present. The center is entirely funded by the municipality, with a few supplementary initiatives from donors, but the main funding is provided through the state budget. It employs 100 staff members on a full-time and part-time basis.

The daily center is divided into a reception team and a follow-up team, each with its team leaders. Additionally, the center offers courses, legal assistance, mediation for contact with other support services, group discussions, and network meetings for both adults exposed to violence and their children. External activities such as lectures and training for both adults and children are also provided.

The residential center serves as a secure, temporary residence for victims of violence, both with and without children, who are in acute crisis due to violence in close relationships. In 2022, the Crisis Center in Oslo had:

• 2,520 inquiries from victims of violence to the Crisis Center's reception.
• 1,298 users in the Day Center, with 1,796 daily visits and 1,653 consultations by phone, totaling 3,449 conversations.
• 302 adults exposed to violence and 173 children (originating from 68 different countries) received protected accommodation in the Residential Center.
• 30 young people and 3 children exposed to violence received secure housing.
• 1,494 follow-up phone conversations conducted.
• 17 women, victims of human trafficking from 11 different countries, received protected accommodation at the Crisis Center in Oslo (ROSA).

            he Crisis Center in Oslo is involved in a total of 22 local, national, and international projects and initiatives that are currently in progress.

            On November 28, 2023, our ambassador in Oslo, Norway, Desislava Ivanova, met with representatives of the Ministry of Justice of Bulgaria, the PULSE Foundation, and the Bulgarian Sunday School "Rodna Rech" in Oslo. Mrs. Ivanova was briefed on the results achieved so far in the implementation of projects under the Small Grants Scheme, particularly those of the PULSE Foundation. She expressed her expectations that efforts towards enhancing expert exchange through high-level visits will yield positive results in the coming year.

At the end of our working program, we had a meeting with representatives of the Academy of Human Rights in Oslo, Norway. Mrs. Lilian Hjorth, the director of the academy, briefly presented the organization's goals regarding the strengthening of democratic citizenship, respect for human rights, and the promotion of dialogue and intercultural understanding. She acquainted those present with the ongoing projects as well as those that had been completed. In turn, representatives from the Ministry of Justice and the PULSE Foundation shared information about the projects they are currently implementing and the achievements to date. The ensuing discussion indicated that future collaboration would be beneficial for both parties.

Our delegation departed with many new ideas for advancing programs in Bulgaria and forming future partnerships with Norwegian institutions and organizations.

This publication was created with the financial support of the "Justice" program of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021. The entire responsibility for the content of the document lies with the PULSE Foundation, and under no circumstances can it be assumed that this document reflects the official position of the Program Operator or the Donor. Contract No. BGJUSTICE-4.002-0007-C02.