Let's learn to say NO! We have successfully completed the Speak Up summer school.

We need to talk about domestic violence! That is the motto of the Speak Out project, which addresses this topic within the Roma community, where it is still often a taboo. Prevention also plays a key role, which is why we organized a summer school for young Roma from the Manushe junior group.

‍

During the hottest days of August, we spent five days in Chlumec nad Cidlinou with thirty young Roma, where we talked about communication, relationships, and domestic violence. If we want to talk about domestic and gender-based violence in the Roma community, we must discuss with the younger generation what behavior is acceptable and what is not. "Our goal was for them to recognize the first warning signs when something is wrong and to be more sensitive to situations in their surroundings," explains project coordinator Claudie Laburdová.

‍

During the five-day summer school, the topic of domestic violence was introduced gradually. Participants aged 15–21 first discussed the sociocultural specifics of the Roma and romantic relationships, and only then did the forms of domestic violence come up. This challenging topic was led by a lecturer from the Rosa Center, which provides help to victims of domestic violence. "The topic of toxic relationships resonated the most, specifically situations like a partner checking your phone. The participants reacted strongly and asked many questions, as they likely have personal experience with this," describes Claudie Laburdová.

‍

The summer school is one of the key activities of the Speak Out project, which focuses on working with Roma women. Based on our many years of experience, we know that violence against women exists in Roma communities, even if it is often kept silent. Since January 2024, self-help groups for Roma women have been meeting regularlyin five Czech cities, gradually and sensitively opening up topics of domestic and gender-based violence. At the same time, we are conducting researchaimed at determining how widespread domestic violence is in Roma families. Relevant data on this topic is currently lacking in the Czech Republic.

‍

Although the topic of domestic violence is very challenging, during the five days of the Summer School we realized how open the young generation is to discussion and sharing their opinions. "For me, one of the key takeaways from the project is that it makes sense to talk about domestic violence with young people. It's not just about them being able to stand up against violence themselves, but also about knowing how to react correctly when they witness it," adds Claudie Laburdová.

‍

The "Speak Up" project, registration number CZ.03.02.03/00/22_044/0002151, is funded by the Employment Plus Operational Programme.

The project is funded by the European Union.

‍