Domestic Violence Prevention Project

Project Summary

Shishu Niloy Foundation (SNF) has been implementing rights-based and domestic violence prevention initiatives since 2008 with the vision of creating safe, peaceful, and non-discriminatory homes for women and children. The project is jointly financed by MISEREOR-Germany and SNF and focuses on reducing domestic and social violence through community awareness, capacity building, victim support services, rehabilitation, and collaboration with government and non-government stakeholders.

The current phase of the project, titled “Replication on Successful Domestic Violence Reduction,” serves approximately 37,000 beneficiaries. Through active participation of community members, local leaders, women’s groups, service providers, and relevant institutions, the project promotes social responsibility and collective action to prevent violence against women and children.

Project Goal and Objectives

Goal

To establish a safe, violence-free, and gender-equitable society where women and children can live with dignity, security, and equal opportunities.

Objectives

  • Raise awareness on the causes, consequences, and prevention of domestic violence.
  • Strengthen the capacity of community members, local leaders, and stakeholders to prevent violence and protect victims.
  • Provide support services, counselling, referrals, and rehabilitation opportunities for survivors of violence.
  • Enhance collaboration between communities, government agencies, and civil society organizations.
  • Promote women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship development, skills training, and access to financial services.

Impact

The project has significantly contributed to increasing awareness about domestic violence and women’s rights among community members. Women and children are becoming more informed about available support mechanisms and legal protections. Community leaders and stakeholders are increasingly engaged in preventing violence and responding to incidents in a timely manner.

The integration of economic empowerment activities has strengthened women’s confidence, decision-making capacity, and financial independence. As a result, many women have become more resilient and less vulnerable to violence and discrimination within their families and communities.

Achievements

  • Reached approximately 37,000 beneficiaries through awareness, prevention, and support activities.
  • Strengthened community participation in preventing violence against women and children.
  • Improved coordination among local stakeholders, government institutions, and service providers.
  • Enhanced access to support services and rehabilitation opportunities for survivors.
  • Developed 1,143 women entrepreneurs through training, financial assistance, and continuous mentoring.
  • Provided business management, financial literacy, and skill development training to women entrepreneurs.
  • Facilitated access to loans and financial resources, enabling women to expand income-generating activities and improve household economic stability.

Challenges

  • Deep-rooted social norms and cultural attitudes that tolerate or justify domestic violence.
  • Reluctance of survivors to report incidents due to fear, stigma, and social pressure.
  • Limited availability of specialized support services in some communities.
  • Economic vulnerability of women, which often restricts their ability to seek protection and justice.
  • Need for continuous stakeholder engagement to sustain long-term behavioral and social change.

Learning

The project has demonstrated that domestic violence prevention is most effective when awareness, community engagement, victim support, and economic empowerment are integrated into a single approach. Active participation of local stakeholders creates ownership and strengthens community-based protection systems. Furthermore, empowering women economically enhances their confidence and ability to make independent decisions, contributing to a reduction in vulnerability and violence. Sustainable change requires long-term commitment, continuous awareness-building, and strong partnerships among communities, civil society organizations, and government institutions.

Scroll to Top