Mobilizing Local Communities to Prevent Domestic Violence

About this grant

The program goal is to achieve sustainable grassroots citizen engagement by building the capacity of civil society organizations to respond to a key issue facing communities in the Northern Caucus region of Russia. To this end, the National Center for Prevention of Violence "ANNA" and its local partners will build upon their successful efforts to address gender-based violence through raising public awareness of the issue and partnering with law enforcement agencies. Specifically, they will aim to generate community accountability — where communities themselves intervene to prevent such violence in peaceful ways. In 2010-2012, the grantee and its partners established a critical collaboration with local law enforcement bodies, religious councils, and educational institutions, all of which helped break down taboos related to gender-based violence. Over 100 workshops, educational activities, and community discussions were staged throughout the region. Established in 1995, the National Center for Prevention of Violence "ANNA" provides social, economic, and legal assistance to women and children in crisis.