Iris Network COVID19 reaction stories – SOS phone Podgorica

The global pandemic COVID -19 is, unfortunately, an opportune time to increase the volume of all forms of domestic violence. Therefore, since the start of the pandemic in Montenegro, there has been a reorganization of the work of the SOS Telephone Podgorica, which introduced a 24-hour on-call service and, in addition to the two existing ones, activated another number available to clients (067 805 297). The changes that have been made include the availability of counseling services 24 hours a day, instead of the planned 8 during the work week.

Within the counseling services, trained and competent staff provide support and assistance to victims of violence, which, in addition to counseling services, provides emotional support, which is very important for beneficiaries at these times. With consent, we mediate the beneficiaries to the institutions of the system and work to quickly suppress / end the violence. We guarantee users anonymity and confidentiality, respecting their rights and integrity above all else.

SOS Podgorica is also part of the #SafetyHome Campaign launched by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Montenegro, Police Directorate, SOS Podgorica, SOS Niksic, Center for Women’s Rights, Safe Women’s House and Center for Roma Initiatives. The aim of the campaign, supported by the British Embassy Podgorica / United Kingdom Embassy in Podgorica, is to show the victims that they are not alone and that they can get help and protect themselves and other family members from violence