COUNSELING CENTRE ALEJ
OUR SERVICES ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE. THE DURATION OF CONSULTING AND SUPPORT IS NOT TIME-LIMITED, WE PROVIDE THEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL WOMEN.
We are available for all women who are experiencing, threatened by, or have a history of violence in relationships, as well as women who are experiencing stalking or post-separation violence, i.e., women experiencing violence after separation from the partner, and women who face discrimination, poverty, or social exclusion as a result of the violence they have experienced and its effects.
All women whose children are experiencing violence, threatened by violence, or have witnessed violence can turn to us. Close relatives, acquaintances, or people around women can also contact us. People from various institutions can contact us as well. These can be schools, authorities, healthcare workers, etc., which encounter cases of violence against women and children in the course of their work.
Women that turn to us can be sure, that our approach will be confidential, individual, empathetic, and non-judgmental. We do not question or trivialize women’s and children’s experiences with violence.
All services provided by us are personalized, at the same time, however, they are interconnected in such a way, that women can choose a combination from the offered spectrum that corresponds to their current needs, goals, and decisions they are ready to make.
We are available for all women who are experiencing, threatened by, or have a history of violence in relationships, as well as women who are experiencing stalking or post-separation violence, i.e., women experiencing violence after separation from the partner, and women who face discrimination, poverty, or social exclusion as a result of the violence they have experienced and its effects.
All women whose children are experiencing violence, threatened by violence, or have witnessed violence can turn to us. Close relatives, acquaintances, or people around women can also contact us. People from various institutions can contact us as well. These can be schools, authorities, healthcare workers, etc., which encounter cases of violence against women and children in the course of their work.
Women that turn to us can be sure, that our approach will be confidential, individual, empathetic, and non-judgmental. We do not question or trivialize women’s and children’s experiences with violence.
All services provided by us are personalized, at the same time, however, they are interconnected in such a way, that women can choose a combination from the offered spectrum that corresponds to their current needs, goals, and decisions they are ready to make.
COUNSELING CENTRE ALEJ
OUR SERVICES ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE. THE DURATION OF CONSULTING AND SUPPORT IS NOT TIME-LIMITED, WE PROVIDE THEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL WOMEN.
We are available for all women who are experiencing, threatened by, or have a history of violence in relationships, as well as women who are experiencing stalking or post-separation violence, i.e., women experiencing violence after separation from the partner, and women who face discrimination, poverty, or social exclusion as a result of the violence they have experienced and its effects.
All women whose children are experiencing violence, threatened by violence, or have witnessed violence can turn to us. Close relatives, acquaintances, or people around women can also contact us. People from various institutions can contact us as well. These can be schools, authorities, healthcare workers, etc., which encounter cases of violence against women and children in the course of their work.
Women that turn to us can be sure, that our approach will be confidential, individual, empathetic, and non-judgmental. We do not question or trivialize women’s and children’s experiences with violence.
All services provided by us are personalized, at the same time, however, they are interconnected in such a way, that women can choose a combination from the offered spectrum that corresponds to their current needs, goals, and decisions they are ready to make.
WE MAKE AN EFFORT TO CREATE A SAFE AND CONFIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT WHERE A WOMAN CAN SPEAK ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE WITH VIOLENCE, ABOUT HER NEEDS, AND FIND A SOLUTION TO HER SITUATION TOGETHER WITH US.
There is no “right” abused woman”
We are aware that the experience and reaction to violence are unique for every woman. In our practice, this means that we do not accept any stereotypical ideas about women experiencing violence. Every woman reacts to violence that she and her children experience in her own way, which changes and adapts to situations and circumstances. At different times in an abusive relationship, she may have different goals and needs, and use her own combination of strategies.
Through our work at all levels, we try to overcome long-held stereotypes about how a woman who experiences violence or who protects her children from violence should behave, think and make decisions.
We are aware that the experience and reaction to violence are unique for every woman. In our practice, this means that we do not accept any stereotypical ideas about women experiencing violence. Every woman reacts to violence that she and her children experience in her own way, which changes and adapts to situations and circumstances. At different times in an abusive relationship, she may have different goals and needs, and use her own combination of strategies.
Through our work at all levels, we try to overcome long-held stereotypes about how a woman who experiences violence or who protects her children from violence should behave, think and make decisions.
There is no “right” abused woman”
We are aware that the experience and reaction to violence are unique for every woman. In our practice, this means that we do not accept any stereotypical ideas about women experiencing violence. Every woman reacts to violence that she and her children experience in her own way, which changes and adapts to situations and circumstances. At different times in an abusive relationship, she may have different goals and needs, and use her own combination of strategies.
Through our work at all levels, we try to overcome long-held stereotypes about how a woman who experiences violence or who protects her children from violence should behave, think and make decisions.
We are aware that the experience and reaction to violence are unique for every woman. In our practice, this means that we do not accept any stereotypical ideas about women experiencing violence. Every woman reacts to violence that she and her children experience in her own way, which changes and adapts to situations and circumstances. At different times in an abusive relationship, she may have different goals and needs, and use her own combination of strategies.
Through our work at all levels, we try to overcome long-held stereotypes about how a woman who experiences violence or who protects her children from violence should behave, think and make decisions.
Within counseling, while the woman is deciding whether to stay in the relationship, leave, or return to the abusive relationship, we take into consideration many influencing factors in her life. These are influences such as the dynamics of the violent relationship, the degree of isolation of the woman, the characteristics and nature of the violence and the perpetrator, the degree of partner control, the woman’s personal resources, influences related to children, social influences, etc.
For this reason, in our work, we always proceed from this unique constellation and the influence of various factors that can either strengthen a woman’s ability to leave a violent relationship or it can hinder and limit her decision-making.
Within counseling, while the woman is deciding whether to stay in the relationship, leave, or return to the abusive relationship, we take into consideration many influencing factors in her life. These are influences such as the dynamics of the violent relationship, the degree of isolation of the woman, the characteristics and nature of the violence and the perpetrator, the degree of partner control, the woman’s personal resources, influences related to children, social influences, etc.
For this reason, in our work, we always proceed from this unique constellation and the influence of various factors that can either strengthen a woman’s ability to leave a violent relationship or it can hinder and limit her decision-making.
Individual approach
Individual approach
Within counseling, while the woman is deciding whether to stay in the relationship, leave, or return to the abusive relationship, we take into consideration many influencing factors in her life. These are influences such as the dynamics of the violent relationship, the degree of isolation of the woman, the characteristics and nature of the violence and the perpetrator, the degree of partner control, the woman’s personal resources, influences related to children, social influences, etc. For this reason, in our work, we always proceed from this unique constellation and the influence of various factors that can either strengthen a woman’s ability to leave a violent relationship or it can hinder and limit her decision-making.
Within counseling, while the woman is deciding whether to stay in the relationship, leave, or return to the abusive relationship, we take into consideration many influencing factors in her life. These are influences such as the dynamics of the violent relationship, the degree of isolation of the woman, the characteristics and nature of the violence and the perpetrator, the degree of partner control, the woman’s personal resources, influences related to children, social influences, etc. For this reason, in our work, we always proceed from this unique constellation and the influence of various factors that can either strengthen a woman’s ability to leave a violent relationship or it can hinder and limit her decision-making.
Safety and support
The goal of all interventions is to increase the safety of women and their children, strengthen women’s autonomy, and achieve justice and a life without violence. Regardless of how a woman decides to solve her situation, we will guide and support her throughout this process. Considering all the possibilities and deciding on how she wants to handle the situation is entirely within her competence. We support women in difficult periods, such as providing testimony during an investigation, expert assessment, court proceedings, during the divorce period, settling child support, etc.
Safety and support
The goal of all interventions is to increase the safety of women and their children, strengthen women’s autonomy, and achieve justice and a life without violence. Regardless of how a woman decides to solve her situation, we will guide and support her throughout this process. Considering all the possibilities and deciding on how she wants to handle the situation is entirely within her competence. We support women in difficult periods, such as providing testimony during an investigation, expert assessment, court proceedings, during the divorce period, settling child support, etc.
The goal of all interventions is to increase the safety of women and their children, strengthen women’s autonomy, and achieve justice and a life without violence. Regardless of how a woman decides to solve her situation, we will guide and support her throughout this process. Considering all the possibilities and deciding on how she wants to handle the situation is entirely within her competence. We support women in difficult periods, such as providing testimony during an investigation, expert assessment, court proceedings, during the divorce period, settling child support, etc.
We are aware that the impact of violence on women and children can persist for a longer period even after ending an abusive relationship or after leaving an abusive partner. One of our most important goals is to help women and their children overcome the consequences of violence and to have the highest possible quality of life after separation from a violent partner and parent.
From our many years of experience, we know that if a woman receives quality help and support from formal and/or informal networks, all the information she needs, and guidance throughout the process with an empathetic and respectful approach, this significantly reduces her and her children’s traumatization.
Decreasing the impacts of violence
Decreasing the impacts of violence
We are aware that the impact of violence on women and children can persist for a longer period even after ending an abusive relationship or after leaving an abusive partner. One of our most important goals is to help women and their children overcome the consequences of violence and to have the highest possible quality of life after separation from a violent partner and parent.
From our many years of experience, we know that if a woman receives quality help and support from formal and/or informal networks, all the information she needs, and guidance throughout the process with an empathetic and respectful approach, this significantly reduces her and her children’s traumatization.
WOMEN TO WOMEN
We are part of a support network for women as an expression of solidarity towards other women and within which they help women, so they don’t have to be alone in the difficult period of solving the issue of violence and searching for safety, we search for a way out and solutions together.
In our work, we seek to understand what truly helps women and what we can improve so that our services meet their individual needs. It is important for us that our services are based on the best practice from abroad and in Slovakia, and for that reason, we constantly strive to transfer the latest scientific knowledge and this practice to the provision of services.
the best practice
the best practice
In our work, we seek to understand what truly helps women and what we can improve so that our services meet their individual needs. It is important for us that our services are based on the best practice from abroad and in Slovakia, and for that reason, we constantly strive to transfer the latest scientific knowledge and this practice to the provision of services.
FIRST CONTACT
CRISIS AND CONSULTING LINE
AVAILABILITY OF OUR SERVICES
AVAILABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY
SAFETY AND TRUST
WORK STANDARDS OF THE ALEJ COUNSELING CENTER
Services provided by the ALEJ Counseling center meet the criteria of the Council of Europe’s Minimum Standards for support services for women experiencing violence and their children. The work methodology, as well as all procedures and processes in solving the issue of violence, comply with these standards.
When providing support and protection to women experiencing violence and their children at the ALEJ Counseling Center, we are patterned on the relevant legislation of the Slovak Republic, international and national strategic documents in the field of violence against women, the Standards for comprehensive support, the protection of women experiencing violence and the Methodology for providing comprehensive support and protection for women experiencing violence and their children.
OUR COUNSELORS
Our counselors have excellent knowledge about the issues of violence against women and their children and partner abuse, they also have above-standard professional training and long-standing practice in this field.
Counselors are experts in the field of crisis intervention, they have experience working on crisis lines for women and children experiencing violence, counseling, psychological help and support, they have knowledge in the field of psychotraumatology and work with trauma.
AVAILABILITY OF OUR SERVICES
For the sake of maximum availability and flexibility, we provide counseling to women in a safe way even if it is impossible for them to come to the counseling center for various reasons and limitations (for example, due to the degree of isolation and control from the partner). We intend to achieve the highest possible level of accessibility and individualization of services for all women and their children, which maximize their safety and minimize the effects of violence.
We maintain the principle of non-discrimination, respect for diversity, and the maximum availability of services even for women with specific needs. We have created certain conditions to provide adequate help and support to women who are at multiple disadvantages, for example, due to age, ethnicity, or disability, as well as to women who experience high levels of isolation and control.
WORK STANDARDS OF THE ALEJ COUNSELING CENTER
Services provided by the ALEJ Counseling center meet the criteria of the Council of Europe’s Minimum Standards for support services for women experiencing violence and their children. The work methodology, as well as all procedures and processes in solving the issue of violence, comply with these standards.
When providing support and protection to women experiencing violence and their children at the ALEJ Counseling Center, we are patterned on the relevant legislation of the Slovak Republic, international and national strategic documents in the field of violence against women, the Standards for comprehensive support, the protection of women experiencing violence and the Methodology for providing comprehensive support and protection for women experiencing violence and their children.
OUR COUNSELORS
Our counselors have excellent knowledge about the issues of violence against women and their children and partner abuse, they also have above-standard professional training and long-standing practice in this field.
Counselors are experts in the field of crisis intervention, they have experience working on crisis lines for women and children experiencing violence, counseling, psychological help and support, they have knowledge in the field of psychotraumatology and work with trauma.
AVAILABILITY OF OUR SERVICES
For the sake of maximum availability and flexibility, we provide counseling to women in a safe way even if it is impossible for them to come to the counseling center for various reasons and limitations (for example, due to the degree of isolation and control from the partner). We intend to achieve the highest possible level of accessibility and individualization of services for all women and their children, which maximize their safety and minimize the effects of violence.
We maintain the principle of non-discrimination, respect for diversity, and the maximum availability of services even for women with specific needs. We have created certain conditions to provide adequate help and support to women who are at multiple disadvantages, for example, due to age, ethnicity, or disability, as well as to women who experience high levels of isolation and control.
Access to justice
LEGAL AID
As part of defending women’s rights, we provide legal advice as well as legal representation in civil and criminal proceedings.
We strive to provide pro bono legal advice and representation to women who contact us. We only work with lawyers who are sensitized to the subject of partner abuse and comprehend the issue of violence against women and their children.
In addition, we advocate for the rights and interests of women and children in contact with other institutions.
We strengthen their awareness of human rights, including the right to live without violence.
As part of defending women’s rights, we provide legal advice as well as legal representation in civil and criminal proceedings.
We strive to provide pro bono legal advice and representation to women who contact us. We only work with lawyers who are sensitized to the subject of partner abuse and comprehend the issue of violence against women and their children.
In addition, we advocate for the rights and interests of women and children in contact with other institutions.
We strengthen their awareness of human rights, including the right to live without violence.
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