Between February 2024 and February 2025, the PULSE Foundation will implement an initiative under the slogan "Together We Can Do More!". The project is part of the "Rights and Values" program, funded by the European Union and the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation.

The main goal is to provide information and raise awareness among people affected by domestic violence, especially in small settlements and isolated communities, by increasing awareness, building support networks, and offering practical solutions at the local level.

According to a 2021 study by the National Statistical Institute and EUGBV, one in three young women aged 18 to 29 has been a victim of violence by a current or former partner. In isolated areas, the problem is even more severe due to a lack of information, support, and institutional access.

The main objectives of the "Together We Can Do More!" initiative include:

• Increasing knowledge and awareness on topics such as domestic violence, equality, aggression, and discrimination among young people and their parents through training sessions, seminars, and discussions. These activities will reach at least 500 people in the Pernik region. The initiative aims to raise sensitivity on the issue and promote values such as equality, personal freedom, and the right to protection.
• Raising awareness among institutions, including the police, social services, judicial, and educational institutions. Roundtable discussions and specialized seminars for professionals will be organized to improve the identification of domestic violence cases and enhance institutional responses.
• Hosting five roundtable discussions to analyze the current situation, discuss challenges, and plan further steps for improving inter-institutional cooperation.
• Educational and youth initiatives, including awareness-raising seminars for students and parents, as well as recruiting new volunteers for the youth club "To Be Friends." The club will work towards increasing knowledge about domestic violence and finding solutions through mediation with local specialists.

Expected Results:

The project envisions the direct involvement of 35 specialists from various institutions who will work to improve the coordination of services in support of victims of violence.

We plan to publish a brochure and share information on social media.

The project is fully aligned with the European strategy for gender equality and the mission of the PULSE Foundation – to create a world in which every person, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities for development and the freedom to follow their own path.

The initiative "Together we can do more!" is implemented within the project "Rights and Values" and is funded by the European Union and the "Workshop for Civic Initiatives" Foundation.