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Social Protection Empowerment programme

Osnaži
2026

Psychosocial support for women affected by domestic violence and capacity-building for professionals in Belgrade over six months of concrete action.

Area Social Protection
Duration 6 months
Location Belgrade
Funded by Secretariat for Social Protection
About the programme

Where support becomes
a concrete step forward.

Domestic violence is one of the most serious social problems in Belgrade, with particularly severe consequences for women as the most frequent victims. Beyond physical violence, women are exposed to psychological, economic and emotional abuse — significantly affecting their mental health, social inclusion and quality of life.

The "OSNAŽI 2026" project focuses on providing psychosocial support and empowerment to women affected by domestic violence in Belgrade, while also strengthening the capacities of the professionals who work with them. Through a cycle of workshops, counselling activities and educational programmes, the project contributes to increased awareness, confidence and functional skills among beneficiaries.

The focus is not only on immediate help, but also on the long-term empowerment of women and the lasting improvement of the local support system.

Professionals working with victims of violence — in NGOs, educational institutions and other organisations — will receive specialised training. The knowledge and skills gained remain in the system long after the project ends, as a lasting contribution to the quality of local support.

O snaživanje — Empowerment of vulnerable groups
S igurnost — Safety and support for victims of violence
N ovi izazovi — New challenges for professionals
A ktivnosti — Activities to advance gender equality
Ž ivotni kvalitet — Quality of life and equality
I nkluzija — Inclusion and professional training
Programme details
Location Belgrade
Duration 6 months
Programme focus Support for women
Professional support Training for professionals
Partner Student Union of Belgrade
Funded by Secretariat for Social Protection — City of Belgrade
Organiser Spirit of Youth
Programme pillars

What the programme builds

Four areas of action through which "Osnaži 2026" delivers concrete and measurable impact.

Victim empowerment

Building personal and social capacities of women through individual counselling and group workshops — from recognising one's own resources to understanding available rights.

Psychosocial support

Expert individual and group support in a safe and confidential environment, focused on mental health, recovery and the restoration of daily functioning.

Professional education

Training and workshops for psychologists, educators, social workers and advisors working with this vulnerable group — exchanging experience and best practice.

Gender equality

Prevention of domestic violence through education, information and awareness-raising — as part of the broader effort for gender equality in the community.

Structure

How the programme works

Preparation and organisation Month I

Programme preparation, activity planning and cooperation-building that create a stable and supportive framework for everything that follows.

Psychosocial support for women Months II–V

Individual psychosocial counselling, group empowerment workshops and information about available forms of support, with a focus on confidence, rights and personal resources.

Capacity-building for professionals Months II–IV

Preparation and delivery of educational workshops and training for professionals working with victims of violence, with exchange of experience and best practice from the sector.

Visibility, evaluation and reporting Months I–VI

Continuous public communication about the programme, ongoing monitoring of activities and the sharing of key insights that can support the further development of community-based support.

Programme in numbers

Measurable impact — from counselling to system change.

"Osnaži 2026" combines direct support for women with professional education over six months of implementation. The programme's effects continue beyond its duration through stronger professional capacities and more empowered participants who better understand their rights and available support.

Support
Women in focus
Training
For professionals
6mo.
Intensive programme
Local
Community support
Who it's for

Who is Osnaži for?

Women survivors of violence

Primary target group — women who are victims of domestic violence residing in Belgrade, in need of psychosocial support, information and empowerment to break the cycle of abuse.

Experts and professionals

Psychologists, educators, social workers, advisors and other professionals in NGOs and institutions who need specialised training for more effective work with victims of violence.

Community and families

Indirect beneficiaries — family members, children of programme participants and the wider Belgrade community, which benefits from improved local support and increased awareness of protection mechanisms.

Support and partnership

Who stands behind
the programme.

"Osnaži 2026" is delivered by Spirit of Youth with the support of the City of Belgrade and in partnership with the Student Union of Belgrade.

Student Union of Belgrade
Secretariat for Social Protection — City of Belgrade
Blog

Posts that give
the programme wider context.

The blog is not just an archive of updates. It gives us a calmer space for questions, explanations and topics that need more than one news item.

All posts
Programme / Reporting and protectionSeptember 4, 20263 min

How to report violence and who to contact

Milena Radosavljević writes about reporting violence, institutions and available routes to protection.

Read the article
Programme / Safe support August 21, 20263 min

How to help a woman experiencing violence

Milena Radosavljević on belief, listening and safe, practical steps without judgement.

Read article
Programme / Support network August 8, 20263 min

The role of family and friends in supporting women experiencing violence

Milena Radosavljević on listening, trust and practical help without judgement or pressure.

Read article
Programme / Child protection July 26, 20263 min

Children as silent witnesses of domestic violence

On the consequences domestic violence leaves on children and support that protects both mother and child.

Read post
Programme / Health July 13, 20264 min

Health consequences of violence against women: the body remembers what the mind tries to forget

About the consequences of violence for women’s physical and mental health, silence and the importance of timely support.

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Programme / Support June 30, 20265 min

The Wheel of Violence Against Women — a Circle That Is Hard to Leave

About the pattern of control, the phases that repeat, and the support that can help a woman leave the circle of violence.

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Programme / Recognition June 16, 20264 min

Phases of Violence Against Women — How to Recognise a Repeating Pattern

About the phases of violence, the pattern that repeats, and support as a possible first step out of the circle.

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Programme / Myths June 3, 20265 min

Myths About Violence Against Women — Why It Matters to Break Them Down

About myths that prolong violence, silence survivors, and distance women from the support that belongs to them.

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Programme / Safety May 21, 20264 min

What Is Violence Against Women?

About forms of violence against women, recognising control, and the importance of support on the path toward safety and empowerment.

Read post
Programme / Safe space May 4, 20263 min

Why a Safe Space Is Often the First Step Toward Change

About why, with the most sensitive topics, change often begins with support that has continuity, measure, and people who remain present.

Read post
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