Training for volunteers started

During the weekend of April 17 and 18, 2009, a two-day training started for Women’s Room’s volunteers in the Hotel Palace in Zagreb. Volunteers were introduced to concepts of feminism and gender-based violence (through case studies) and topics regarding emotional literacy in work with clients as well as needs of sexual and gender minorities. Through the analysis of the film “Accused” and the discussion in the second part of the training, participants received knowledge about international and domestic practices of conduct in the case of sexual violence. We received a large number of applications for the training from persons who were very interested in further education about these topics. Therefore, we organized additional lectures/trainings in the evening hours during the week in the Women’s Room. Apart from Women’s Room’s members, external experts from different fields of expertise that work directly with victims of sexual violence on everyday basis and are transferring their long-term experience to the Center’s volunteers deliver lectures and trainings. Throughout the complete education that will last for 26 hours, volunteers will be guided through the whole process of work with victims of sexual violence, from the initial conversation with the victim to counseling work, with the emphasis on feminist principles of work with victims and persons close to them as well as on legal and police procedures in Croatia.