Gender-based violence (GBV) among migrants is a hidden phenomenon, difficult to investigate, but widespread.

Even if, for some of the migrants, Romania is a transit country and therefore is less visible, we can intervene to prevent the spread and perpetuation of this phenomenon in the destination countries.

Through EVA IRFAM – There is Hidden Violence Affecting Migrant Women project, we aim to respond to three sets of complementary needs identified throughout over 10 years of working with migrants / refugees:

• The need for qualitative and quantitative data on the extent of the invisible phenomenon of gender-based violence against migrant / LGBTIQ women / refugees and more, the perception of public authorities and refugees about this phenomenon and the level of knowledge of reporting and support procedures in case of GBV. The project will address these needs by conducting the first research report on GBV affecting migrants / refugees in Romania.
• The need to train competent public authorities to identify, manage and prevent cases of GBV among migrant / LGBTIQ women / refugees. The project will address this need by organizing capacity building sessions for at least 75 participants – Romanian public authorities and NGOs involved in offering assistance to migrants, with the support and expertise of the Norwegian partner (Health and Human Rights Info).
• The need for social, psychological, legal and medical services adapted to victims’ needs and to people at risk of GBV brought together in a coherent multidisciplinary support program, with a strong component of participative consultation. Integrated services (psychological, social, legal counseling, etc.) will be provided, support groups and sexual and reproductive education sessions will be organized. These efforts will be strengthened by a campaign to raise awareness about the risks of GBV in schools by organizing educational workshops for young Romanians and migrants and by involving them in designing materials that would help raise awareness about GBV.


The project is implemented between April 2021 – March 2023, but we will continue, in a different form, to address the phenomenon of gender-based violence among migrants after this period ends.