Time Span: Started: 1996 End: Ongoing program

Domestic Violence Program Description:

Najdeh's reproductive health program, launched in 1996, was expanded and strengthened to conduct a domestic violence prevalence survey during 1998-1999. workshops were conducted to educate Najdeh staff further about the definition and types of domestic violence and communication skills to assist survivals.

In July 2000, the Women's Commission and Najdeh's social affairs section were awarded a three-year grant (2000-2003) from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health Heilbrunn Department Population and family Health to implement the Domestic Violence Program for Palestinian Refugee in Lebanon.

In 2001, Najdeh trained its staff on domestic violence issues and conducted community awareness-raising workshops. The second baseline survey was prepared on family relations; domestic violence knowledge, attitude and practice profiles. In 2002, the preliminary report was written and disseminated.

In 2003, Najdeh compiled important qualitative information from the survey, published a finalized English version of the survey report, presented findings at the Global Health Council meeting, translated the report and shared survey findings with their field staff. Najdeh has widely disseminated the research report on the comparison of KAP surveys on domestic violence to UN and INGO partners, local NGOs, as well as to the beneficiary community

In 2004 Najdeh has also designed IEC materials including poster and brochure that were distributed publicized the availability of Najdeh’s counseling services to survivors of domestic violence. In addition, Najdeh received initial training on implementing a code of conduct for its staff and partners aimed at reducing the risk to beneficiaries of abuse and exploitation by humanitarian workers. During the last two years, an expansion of the number and type of activities, as well as the number of beneficiaries was noted; and the counseling centers were highly efficient in receiving the DV survivors and referring them to legal and psychological counseling specialists when needed.

Domestic Violence Program Objectives:

Overall Objective:

To contribute in improving mental, physical and social well being of Palestinian refugees and NGOs working among Palestinian community in Lebanon aiming to eliminate violence against women.

Program Objectives

1. Increasing the community's knowledge about the effects of violence on community
2. Decreasing the community's acceptance of violence as an acceptable way of solving problems.
3. Increased utilization of social and psychological counseling services and appropriate referrals for legal aid and medical treatment.
4. Increased capacities and skills of Palestinian refugee women as well as relevant national and international organizations to address domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Program Activities:

• Organizing educational workshops to staff and beneficiaries on the importance of Mental and psychological health.
• Increasing the knowledge about women's and children rights, human rights, gender issues and reproductive health among women and families through Najdeh's domestic violence program.
• Offering Legal and psychological assistance.
• Offering Counseling and Guidance to DV victims.
• Expanding the Section's networking relation and activities with NGOs addressing domestic violence program.
• Implementing supporting groups for high risk clients run by psychologist.
• Enhancing the reporting pathways and investigative procedures for the high risk clients and workshops beneficiaries.
• Maintain and increase referrals system and network by engaging with referral sources and follow-up on outcomes of referrals.

Domestic Violence Program Coordination:

Najdeh has established communication with Local NGOs in Lebanon for its cooperation on its domestic violence project, including the counseling services, legal and psychological assistance, besides Najdeh primarily relies from European donor organizations and individual. It also receives donations from partners in the US, Canada, French, Italy, and Nether land.

Domestic Violence Questionaire