ADRA Slovakia provides humanitarian aid and implements development cooperation projects in post-conflict countries, affected by civil war, famine or natural disaster. We educate local communities and lead people to self-sufficiency, which doesn't cost much, but brings long-term sustainable change.
But we are changing the lives of people in need for the better - not just in the world, but at home. We are increasingly active in Slovakia. And today's collection for ADRA Slovakia is entirely dedicated to help at home. As you know, in addition to free legal counselling, two years ago we also added to our activities the assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Slovakia. We established Crisis Intervention Team - ADRA KIT. And the feedback from clients convinces us every day that it makes sense. Because in addition to crisis intervention, social rehabilitation, client adaptation and advocacy, prevention is also important. Since the beginning of the year, we have already held six lectures, coupled with discussions. Some lasted up to three hours, some ended with tears in their eyes, because those present identified themselves as victims of manipulation by their partner and psychological abuse. And as we know, psychological wounds and internal traumas are rarely visible to the naked eye. But they too need to be healed.
Recently in the media there have been several powerful stories women who were abused in early childhood during visits to summer camps or encounters with moral authorities. The controversial and very dark documentary about the singer Michael Jackson probably does not even need to be mentioned. It was his victims who decided to speak out about molestation only when they became parents themselves. It is proven that domestic violence not only adults suffer, but especially children, that have witnessed many sad situations. They then carry all that experience into their future relationships. Prevention in families therefore, special attention should be paid. In all these topics of violence (its solution, but also its prevention), we at ADRA Slovakia, as part of our KIT team, are dedicated and try to be close to them. We offer comprehensive assistance to victims.
At the end of the year, we were delighted to report that out of a group of forty of our KIT clients, twelve had managed to step out of the cycle of violence and start living a new life with dignity. We continue to work with others to rebuild their lost confidence and inner peace, balance, stability. It is a long-term process, a long-distance run.
We thank all of you for the long term support you have shown us (whether through prayers, volunteering, donating 2% from your taxes, or other financial gifts). It gives us tremendous strength and motivation to continue the activities we have started and not to give up. Thank you once again for your donations in Saturday's collection for ADRA activities in CASD choirs. We will use them fully (responsibly and transparently) for the right cause, and together with you, we will continue to change the lives of the needy for the better.
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