Put an End Campaign � Make Violence a Thing of the Past

04 December 2006

During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (November 25-December 10), Akcija Zdruzenska organizes a campaign �Put an End � Make Violence a Thing of the Past�.

Zdruzenska announced the campaign at a press conference.

The campaign was officially started by Dusko Minovski, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy; Goce Dzukleski, State Secretary at the Ministry of Interior; and Jasminka Friscik, ESE Executive Director, at the press-conference held at the Trend Cafe in Skopje, November 25.

The campaign aims to promote pro-active approach to the victims of violence in the family by the Social Welfare Centres, Police Stations and NGOs from Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid, Stip, Tetovo, Strumica, Veles and Kumanovo. With that goal in mind, in places with great frequency of citizens, activists will distribute cards with brief information on family violence and lists of available systems of protection.

The promotional cards will contain an appeal to the citizens to donate 100 denars by calling the special phone line 070 143 186, or make contribution to the boxes located in all SP market, Maksi D discount stores and the UNIQUE Beauty Centre. The collected funds will be used to secure legal and psycho-social assistance and support, as well as the free legal representation to the victims of family violence. The campaign shall also include distribution of posters and broadcasts of a TV spot.

In addition to Akcija Zdruzenska, the campaign will be implemented by the Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women (ESE), the ministries of interior and labour, the National SOS line operating with OZS, HOPE � Crisis Centre, the Shelter Centre, as well as organizations partners in the project �Establishment of Unified and Positive Practices for Dealing for Family Violence in Macedonia�.