On International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2019, the women hosted at the “Emergency Centre for Victims of Domestic Violence—Casa ADRA [ADRA House]”were in for a surprise: Cathy and Jonathan Duffy celebrated with them a decade since ADRA Romania has started its fight against domestic violence. The gifts received and the fact that they were not forgotten brought great joy to the women and children hosted at Casa ADRA.
“For me, the topic of victims of domestic violence is a sad one. Seeing the project „Casa ADRA”being implemented by ADRA Romania for so many years, we can say that not everyone is bad, through the hope given and through the specific activities carried out. It is a joy that there are good people who take a stand by being next to these ladies and these helpless children. This shelter is special and precious and it must continue to exist. Over the years, nearly 900 people have been housed here. It is sad to think that there are 900 victims of domestic violence, but I am grateful that ADRA Romania has found an experienced team that has given them hope, safety, blessings, a place where they can renew their life and where they can rediscover human dignity”, said Jonathan Duffy, President of ADRA International.
“We are glad and honoured by the historical presence of Cathy and Jonathan Duffy at theEmergency Centre for Victims of Domestic Violence—CasaADRA. ADRA Romania's domestic violence projects show the organization's constant concern for this category of beneficiaries. Casa ADRAis more than a centre; it is a place where victims of domestic violence stop on their way to a peaceful life after years of humiliation, suffering and fear. Together we can offer them a chance for a new start in life”, said Robert Georgescu, ADRA Romania Executive Director.
“I think that to the list of ministries for those in need, as described by the Founder of Christianity in the Gospel of Matthew 25, and that mentions the hungry, the thirsty, those who feel alone, we can add help given to the helpless victims of domestic violence. The support received from ADRA International for the operation of Casa ADRAmeans a lot to the beneficiaries in the centre and we see how the fulfilled promises simply change lives. The presence of the President of ADRA International Jonathan Duffy in the Emergency Centre for Victims of Domestic Violence—Casa ADRAis for us the confirmation that ADRA Romania holds the principles of ADRA’s world network and, at the same time, the promise that this centre—Casa ADRA—will continue to enjoy the support it needs”, stated Gabriel Işvan, ADRA Romania representative for the regions of Muntenia and Dobrogea
“Casa ADRAis one of the first and few Romanian centres for victims of domestic violence. Since its inception 10 years ago, the shelter has constantly improved its response, adapting it to each and every situation of violence. On March 8th, 2019, we were honoured to receive the recognition of the ADRA International President Jonathan Duffy for the work of the team and the activity of the centre. We are also glad that the organization's efforts are complemented by local authorities, and their financial support helps us ensure the continuity of the project”, added Valentina Sturzu-Cozorici, ADRA Romania Project Manager.
“Like every year, it was a joy to celebrate women's day with dignified, brave, and strong ladies who want a better life both for them and for their children. Their appreciation towards our efforts and services gives us the courage to go on. The presence of Cathy and Jonathan Duffy, at our annual celebrationespecially while celebrating Casa ADRA’sfirst decade of activity means a lot to us and to our friends”, said Claudia Andrei, ADRA Romania psychologist.
”I was glad to attend the Mothre’s Day celebration with the Duffy family. I have also noticed the smiles on the faces of the ladies who have received gifts and flowers—things they did not really receive in the past—but above all, the appreciation and support from the entire team here at Casa ADRA”, said George Mitroi, ADRA Romania social worker.
ADRA Romania has been managing the Emergency Centre for Victims of Domestic Violence—Casa ADRA since 2009. Its aim is the social reintegration of victims of domestic violence by providing them with shelter, social counseling, psychological counseling, emergency medical assistance, food, and help to find themselves a lawyer. The lives of the women housed in the centre have been changed because they have experienced a different way of living their lives—without physical, verbal, economic, psychological, sexual on religious violence, relying on spiritual values and cultivating healthy eating, exercising, training and recreational habits.
ADRA Romania’s accreditation for the social services provided at the Emergency Centre for Victims of Domestic Violencewas renewed in 2016 according to the new national standards. The accreditation was granted by the Romanian Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Protection and Elderly, following the assessment of the submitted documentation and site visits. The centre is accredited until December 30th, 2020, in compliance with the Law no. 197/2012 regarding the quality assurance in the area of social services, with subsequent amendments.
Currently, the monthly expenses for each victim of domestic violence housed at Casa ADRA are of about 2500 RON (about $600). During its 10 years of activity, the centre assisted more than 2240 victims of domestic violence, while 896 of them were accommodated at Casa ADRA.
Join ADRA Romania and get involved in the fight against domestic violence! Those who want to join the ADRA Romania team in the project Casa ADRAcan do it through:
material donations (especially hygiene products, medicines, but also clothing), but also through financial donations in ADRA or by giving right now on the website adra.ro/doneaza, for the project Casa ADRA.
ADRA Romania
