We are delighted to present the 2024 WAVE Fempower Magazine, a vital annual publication that aligns with the theme of our annual WAVE Conference. This year, we celebrate 30 years of commitment and progress in our mission to end violence against women and girls. This milestone allows us to reflect on our achievements and recommit ourselves to prevention.
The latest edition of Fempower “From emergency support to violence prevention: 30 years of championing women’s rights” explores prevention at multiple levels, highlighting the diverse practices and strategies employed by women’s specialist services.
With contributions from our dedicated WAVE members, this issue features nine insightful articles, each presenting unique perspectives on preventing the recurrence of violence against women and girls and addressing its root causes.
Launched on Day 1 of this year’s WAVE Conference and made available online for all on Day 2, this issue is not to be missed!
Articles Featured in This Issue:
Primary prevention in Italy: local challenges and broader implications
Carlotta Bazzocchi, D.i.Re (Italy)
The article highlights D.i.Re’s initiatives in Italy focused on primary prevention of violence against women and girls, emphasising the importance of addressing gender inequalities and empowering communities through education and awareness-raising efforts.
Empowering women: integral support for migrant women and gender-based violence victims in Valencia
Silvia Iglesias, Por Ti Mujer (Spain)
The article discusses Por Ti Mujer’s comprehensive approach to supporting migrant women and victims of gender-based violence in Spain by implementing integrated strategies for prevention, early intervention, and long-term recovery.
Empowering financial wellbeing: a key strategy in addressing violence against women
Sonya McMullan, Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland, UK)
The article addresses the rising issue of financial abuse among survivors of domestic violence, providing essential resources while also emphasising the importance of financial literacy as a preventive measure against economic abuse.
Combating domestic violence through innovative technological approaches
Armenuhi Ananyan, Impact Innovations Institute’s Initiatives Foundation (Armenia)
The article showcases the Safe YOU platform, developed in Armenia to combat domestic violence and promote gender equality by providing users with access to psychological, legal, and medical support, as well as emergency assistance, all while safeguarding their privacy and autonomy.
The Istanbul Convention ratified: a pivotal step in preventing violence against women
Iluta Lāce, “MARTA Centre” (Latvia)
The article illustrates Latvia’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention as a crucial milestone in tackling violence against women, highlighting subsequent legal improvements, the development of a National Action Plan, and enhanced training for law enforcement.
Can she hear your support? Improving access to services for deaf survivors
Kate Perry-Jones and Kate Evans, Welsh Women’s Aid (Wales, UK)
The article demonstrates how Welsh Women’s Aid is addressing the unique challenges faced by deaf survivors of Violence Against Women Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, through targeted research, training, and the need for inclusive specialist support to ensure accessibility and effective communication.
A paradigm shift in preventing violence against women in Cyprus
Elena Xenofontos and Iro Michael, SPAVO (Cyprus)
The article reveals how a paradigm shift in addressing violence against women in Cyprus, spearheaded by the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO), emphasises comprehensive support and legal reform while fostering transformative change through innovative programs and survivor-centered strategies.
Surviving abuse with resilience (SOAR): championing change through survivor-led support
Shakira Fenech, St Jeanne Antide Foundation (Malta)
The article presents how the St Jeanne Antide Foundation’s SOAR initiative empowers survivors of domestic violence through survivor-led support, focusing on holistic prevention strategies and community engagement while addressing systemic challenges and advocating for legislative reforms in Malta.
The path from darkness to light
Nana Gelashvili, Democrat Women’s Organisation (Georgia)
The article spotlights the Democratic Women’s Organisation’s critical role in combating violence against women and domestic violence in Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region, detailing the organisation’s comprehensive specialist services, legislative advocacy, and community support that empower women and girls while addressing the challenges posed by traditional patriarchal norms.
We invite you to read these impactful articles and join us in amplifying our collective efforts towards preventing violence against women. Access the full magazine now and be inspired by the incredible work being done across Europe!
