Stella - a mentorprogram supporting women who have suffered domestic violence

Purpose and goal:

The purpose and goal for the project has been to establish Stella - a volunteer based mentorprogram for women who experienced domestic violence. Stella takes place in close collaboration with the women´s shelter and Center against Violence in Umeå. During 2021-2022 we have established a working model for Stella, trained 20 volunteers in violence against women and 10 abused women have been matched with a volunteer with whom they meet on a regular basis.

We have also arranged free yoga once a week, a yoga trip to the mountains and planned a summercamp for the women and their children. Expected results and effects:

"I am very lonely. I avoid new contacts out of fear of being exposed. Being with my mentor therefore means a lot to me.", says one of the women in the project who lives with hidden identity.

After a year, we see that Stella covers a void in today´s follow-up of women exposed to violence in addition to public efforts. By connecting the woman with a volunteer, Stella helps prevent loneliness, provide emotional support and practical help. 10 women have so far been connected with a mentor with whom they meet on a regular basis. For the individual woman who participates in the project, Stella means a lot.

Approach and implementation:

We have worked in a structured way with Stella throughout the year. The first part of the project was devoted to developing frameworks and guidelines for Stella, training for volunteers and information materials. The second part of the project year has been used to recruit, train and follow up volunteers, spread information about Stella among the target group, match participants and volunteers, organize training and social activities, apply for activity and project funds, and plan for a summer camps for the women and their children.