Project “Creating and Empowering an Extensive Support Network for Victims of Sexual Violence"

Brief Description

In order to provide support and services for victims of sexual violence, a project “Creating and Empowering an Extensive Support Network for Victims of Sexual Violence” was implemented in 2014–2016. A crisis care and rehabilitation service for victims of sexual violence was developed and piloted. Guidelines were compiled for doctors concerning how to work with victims of sexual violence, training was organised for medical staff. Also network training and an information campaign were carried out. At the end of the project, the Social Insurance Board continued the activities, including initiating the provision of services for victims of sexual violence in two Estonian hospitals in 2016. In 2017, two more centres were set up at hospitals. In all four regions, the relevant service is ensured, medical personnel has been trained and evidence, which can later be used in court, is collected from victims. The services are financed from the state budget.