The PROMISE 4 project is about services for child victims and witnesses of violence. The project will focus on the expansion of the Barnahus model in Eastern Partnership countries.
When a child is a victim or witness to violence, social services, medical and mental health services as well as law enforcement have a duty to safeguard the wellbeing of the child. PROMISE 4 argues, however, that due to lack of coordination between institutions, particularly in Eastern Partnership countries, children’s right to assistance and child friendly justice are not always met. This often leads to mental stress for the children.
PROMISE 4 argues that the services and support for child victims and witnesses of violence must be strengthened. The project therefore wants to expand and establish the Barnhus model in Armenia, Estonia, and Moldova. The model, which originates from Iceland, offers interagency services for child victims and witnesses. The purpose is to facilitate coordinated response and to prevent traumatisation during investigation and court proceedings. The activities of PROMISE 4 include a study visit to Estonia, training opportunities and forensic interview training with Avatar based practice.