On November 26, 2024, ADRA Romania hosted the "Interinstitutional Anniversary Dialogue" as part of the global campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence." The event aimed to raise awareness about the necessity of confronting this pressing issue.

Numerous representatives from partner organizations attended the gathering, engaging in meaningful discussions that highlighted both significant achievements and the challenges faced in combatting domestic violence. The dialogue centered around identifying effective solutions and emphasized the importance of collaboration and solidarity in creating a safer future for all.

Robert Georgescu, the executive director of ADRA Romania, reflected on the organization’s 15 years of dedicated service in this fight. He remarked, "Today, in a special event organized for ADRA House, we are responsibly marking 15 years of ADRA Romania’s uninterrupted activity in the fight against domestic violence. Over this time, more than 3,710 victims of domestic violence have found a safe haven, emotional support, and a chance for a new beginning at ADRA House."

Georgescu also emphasized the collective effort of various stakeholders: "Today’s event brings together representatives of partner organizations, authorities, and dedicated supporters who, together with the ADRA team, have contributed to building a better future for those we assist, including mothers and children. We celebrate not only 15 years of ADRA House's activity but also 15 years of hope provided to those in need of support. The progress achieved in this fight is the result of continuous collaboration, and this event is a tribute to all those involved in this mission."

At the municipal level, the General Directorate of Social Assistance of Bucharest is actively working to offer a comprehensive set of services for victims of domestic violence. These services include information campaigns, emergency shelter options, and, looking ahead, plans for sheltered housing, centers for domestic abusers, and an information and counseling center for victims. Cosmina Ioana Simiean Nicolescu, the director general of the General Directorate, stated, "Private services, such as those offered by ADRA Romania through ADRA House, are essential for ensuring equitable geographic coverage and improving collaboration between the public and private sectors."

Maria Ulican, head of service at the Directorate for the Prevention and Combating of Domestic Violence (ANES), expressed her gratitude for the invitation, saying, "I congratulate you on your work and wish you a happy anniversary! It is an honor to be with you today to discuss an important topic: preventing and combating domestic violence, as part of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence."

Aurelian Bocan, chief commissioner of the General Directorate of Police of Bucharest, also highlighted the significance of partnerships: "We are here to congratulate the representatives of ADRA Romania and the organization’s management because the partnership between public institutions and NGOs is key to creating a society where victims are protected."

This gathering not only celebrated the achievements of ADRA Romania over the past 15 years but also reinforced the collective commitment to combating domestic violence and supporting victims as they navigate their path to safety and recovery.

About ADRA House

Since 2009, ADRA Romania has managed the "Emergency Reception Center for Victims of Family Violence - ADRA House." The objective of this project is the social reintegration of victims of domestic violence through shelter, social counseling, psychological counseling, emergency medical assistance, food, and guidance by a lawyer. The lives of the beneficiaries housed in the center have been changed because they have known a different way of living: without physical, verbal, economic, mental, sexual, and religious violence, based on spiritual values ​​and cultivating healthy habits in food, physical exercise, training, and recreation.

About ADRA Romania

Since 1990, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, ADRA Romania, has been particularly involved in development projects that benefit the entire population. Conducting itself in the projects undertaken according to the motto "Justice. Compassion. Love." ADRA Romania brings joy and hope to the lives of the beneficiaries by promoting a better future, values, ​​and human dignity. 

As an accredited social service provider, ADRA Romania is part of ADRA Europe and the ADRA International network, the global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, one of the most widespread non-governmental organizations in the world. ADRA International is active in 118 countries, and its projects are based on the philosophy that combines compassion with practical spirit, addressing people in need without making distinctions of racial, ethnic, political, or religious order, with the aim of serving humanity so that all live together as God intended.

The original article was published on the ADRA Romania website.