Our partners from Can You Association implemented the project New opportunities for adult female victims of violence through art, together with the organization IASIS from Greece. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ program, this impactful initiative spanned 19 months, concluding in August 2024.
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In this article you can read the details about the project, its outputs, impact and results:

Can You and IASIS proudly announce the successful completion of the "New Opportunities for Adult Female Victims of Violence through art" project, a pioneering initiative co-funded under the Erasmus+ KA210-ADU - Small-scale partnerships in adult education 2022-2-BG01-KA210-ADU-000093615. This transformative project has made significant strides in supporting female victims of gender-based violence across Europe through innovative artistic and educational interventions.

As part of the "NEW Opportunities for Adult Female Victims of Violence Through Art" project, an impactful initiative has been launched, featuring the production of inspiring role model videos. These videos offer compelling interviews with two courageous women from Greece and Bulgaria who have overcome domestic violence, alongside two dedicated professionals from each country who are committed to supporting female survivors through the use of artistic methods. The four interviews featured in these videos illuminate a range of successful strategies and approaches used to empower survivors. Beyond merely inspiring women, their partners, and stakeholders, these role model videos are poised to serve as beacons of hope, guiding future generations of women to embark on their own leadership journeys and encouraging them to craft and share their personal narratives. The videos are available in both Bulgarian and Greek, with English subtitles, ensuring broad accessibility and impact.

Over the course of the project, which brought together partners from several European countries, the "New Opportunities" initiative provided a platform for more than 80 women who had experienced violence to engage in therapeutic art workshops. These workshops offered participants a safe space to express their emotions and stories through various forms of art, including painting, writing, and poetry. The creative process not only facilitated personal healing but also helped the women to regain confidence and a sense of self-worth.The works of art that women created served both to express their souls and to empower and motivate other women.

The project successfully achieved several important outcomes, including the delivery of high-quality, informal adult learning sessions through artistic workshops that empowered participants to share their stories and dreams. In a collaboration, Can You Association from Bulgaria and IASIS from Greece have developed a comprehensive handbook titled "NEW Opportunities" This vital resource is the result of extensive research and shared expertise, bringing together literature reviews and best practices from both countries. The handbook is designed to support women who have survived physical or psychological violence by introducing a range of effective art therapy methods. It highlights various forms of therapeutic practices, including Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodrama, Movement and Dance Therapy (DMT), Creative Journal Therapy, Music Therapy, and Guided Imagery with Music. Among the innovative programs featured are "Heart & Art," which utilizes creative journal arts, painting, and sculpture, and Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), which fosters healing through expressive movement.

Additionally, the project organized InfoDays across partner countries, engaging over 100 stakeholders and raising awareness about gender-based violence and the importance of inclusion. Over 20 professionals involved in the project were able to enhance their portfolios and gain valuable experience in working with vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the project developed a range of sustainable materials, including role model clips and a comprehensive handbook on best practices, ensuring that its impact will continue beyond its official end.

You can find the role model videos in the Facebook page of the project - HERE
New Opportunities Handbook - HERE 
Online Art Gallery - HERE