Violence against women is viewed as acceptable in Bulgaria, and women who speak out are often blamed for causing it and shamed for not braving it.

Why we care: Women and children in Bulgaria experience high levels of domestic violence and incidences are on the rise as a result of the current economic crisis.

How we’re solving this: Preventing violence by changing discriminatory policies and attitudes, and providing free counseling, legal aid, and life-saving information.

Women in Bulgaria seek help only as a last resort when violence threatens their very existence and the future of their children. Often, they are not aware of their legal rights and do not feel safe enough to report violence. The government has failed to implement policies protecting survivors, and at the same time NGO anti-violence services are limited and underfunded.

Knowledge, Success, Change is the only NGO that provided psychological support, legal advice, and representation, mediation services, and shelter in Southwest Bulgaria. In 2011, the Center recorded 167 calls on its telephone hotline, facilitated a total of 17 lawsuits, and conducted 196 psychological consultations for women and children survivors of domestic violence. A key aspect to success of the group’s work is that they educate citizens that perpetrating domestic violence means breaking the law. The group challenges the common view that domestic violence is a problem to be dealt with in the home.

This year, Knowledge, Success, Change is partnering with media, police, lawyers, and courts to combine resources in support of survivors of domestic violence. The organization has trained networks of police and medical staff to recognize domestic violence and provide gender-sensitive support to survivors in two district towns, Kjustendil and Blagoevgrad. Knowledge, Success, Change will officially open a 24/7 consulting center in Blagoevgrad. The center will be a vital resource for women and children to receive support in overcoming trauma, access healthcare services, and build a future of dignity, independence, and success.