Educating Romanian youth in the fight against domestic violence through football – Euractiv

Romania is gradually characterized by changes in the way it responds to domestic violence. It is the result of a new partnership between the Romanian Football Association and a women’s rights NGO.

The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) and Centrul FILIA have joined forces as part of the European Union’s GOALSCORE project, which offers specific training for coaches on issues related to gender-based violence.

“The training gives coaches the knowledge and tools to recognize signs of abuse and intervene when necessary,” the feminist NGO told Euractiv, explaining that it provides ongoing support to players and coaches who need more information or resources on the issue of gender-based violence Provide support.

Ensuring that players and coaches have access to the information and support they need to create a safer environment through football is a tactic that is proving helpful for Romania.

“The fact that football is the most popular sport in the country and can also be such a great social tool helps us create an authentic environment in which we can address issues such as gender-based violence while reaching young people – and people of all kinds . “Age groups – with very different backgrounds,” the FRF told Euractiv.

“Hopefully this will give them a better understanding of the society in which they live and grow up, but also some tools on how to deal with certain violent scenarios when faced with them.” If football teams are managed properly, they can become real safe places for teenagers where they can find advice and help if they need it.”

Social impact

While Centrul FILIA recognizes that progress toward gender equality and combating gender-based violence remains slow, discussions about healthy relationships, recognizing signs of abuse, and knowing how to respond to abusive situations are critical steps toward Creating a safer society for women and girls.

FRF representatives emphasized that the teams involved in the GOALSCORE project were receptive to its mission. This is the first step in raising awareness of the manifestations of gender-based violence and creating opportunities to provide support to victims.

“We hope to further expand the visibility of this project in the future, using football as an example of how we can combat gender-based violence by creating safe spaces and offering support to victims in their micro-communities.”

Learn lessons

The unique partnership between a football association and a women’s rights NGO offers all parties the opportunity to rethink their role in society to help combat painful phenomena such as domestic violence.

The FRF stated that through the exchange with Centrul FILIA they are now more aware of the role they can play in improving the situation of women in football, but also in society.

“Their contributions on how to raise and address the issue of gender-based violence to people who may be affected by it are particularly valuable to us as representatives of the association and to the coaches who work with the teams every day.”

Meanwhile, Centrul FILIA emphasized that using sport as a platform to convey important messages is a meaningful way to promote and educate a healthier and safer society to reach a wider audience.

“When organizations from different sectors come together, their combined strengths can create more effective solutions to social problems such as gender-based violence.”

Multiple projects

In addition to GOALSCORE, which according to the FRF is one of the most important projects to combat gender-based violence with specific tools that can be used on the football field, the Football Association is involved in other projects of a similar nature.

One of these is EPLAY, which promotes fair play behavior among parents of football-playing children aged 8 to 14, with particular attention to inter-ethnic and gender discrimination.

Another project is FAIRER. It addresses radicalization through sport, particularly football, by developing, testing and validating guidelines for football stakeholders aimed at preventing youth radicalization.

Victim Resources and Guidelines

If someone is in immediate danger or their life is threatened, we recommend calling the emergency number 112 immediately. It is important for anyone experiencing abuse to know that they are not to blame and are not alone. In addition to seeking immediate help, victims can obtain a medical certificate from the coroner’s office, file a criminal complaint with the police, and apply to the court for a protection order.

Witnesses of domestic violence are advised to call 112 immediately and can request to remain anonymous when speaking to the operator.

It is difficult to break the cycle of domestic violence, and victims are often isolated from friends and family and feel like they have no one to turn to. Helping victims means providing resources, and the project has provided several resources, including the FILIA Center | Centrul FILIA, ANAIS Association, Fundația Sensiblu and a nationwide hotline on 0800 500 333.

[By Xhoi Zajmi I Edited by Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]