Launching a new project: “Untold Stories – A journey towards understanding and breaking the cycle of violence in the Roma community” under the European Solidarity Projects Programme

We are proud to announce the launch of our new project “Untold Stories”, aimed at addressing violence and discrimination in Roma communities in Varna.

Why is this project needed?

In Bulgaria, Roma women and girls are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to violence and violations of human rights. The data is alarming:

• 17.8% of Roma women report having experienced gender-based or sexual violence – significantly higher than the national average of 11% (source: balkaninsights.com).

• They have the lowest levels of education, the highest rates of child marriage and early pregnancy, and are among the groups most affected by domestic violence in Europe (source: romanstats.wordpress.com).

• Between 50% and 80% of victims of human trafficking in Bulgaria are of Roma origin – a vulnerability rooted in social exclusion, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment (source: academia.edu).

In many communities, these issues are still perceived as part of cultural traditions rather than violations of human rights. Social norms often force violence to remain a “family matter”, trapping victims in a cycle of silence and helplessness (source: eca.unwomen.org).

The “Untold Stories” project is necessary because it brings these problems to the forefront and creates space for open dialogue and long-term support.

What are our goals?

Strengthening cooperation and building a support network – Training 15 Roma leaders and mediators, as well as representatives of NGOs, psychologists, social workers, police officers, and lawyers.

Understanding the cycle of violence – Conducting research in three Roma communities and two Roma schools to assess the level of awareness about different forms of violence and identify personal experiences with it.

Breaking the cycle of violence – Empowering 200 women and children to recognize and report all forms of violence.

How will we achieve this?

The project will begin with specialized training for Roma leaders and mediators, who will gain in-depth knowledge about different forms of violence, Bulgarian legislation, and available support services. At the same time, representatives of NGOs, psychologists, social workers, police officers, and lawyers will receive training on Roma culture and its specific contexts related to violence.

As part of the initiative, anonymous surveys will be conducted in Roma communities and schools in Varna. Based on the collected data, information sessions will be organized, tailored to the specific experiences and needs of each community, with the support of trained experts and community representatives.

The research findings and project results will be summarized in a comprehensive final report, which will be presented to key institutions such as the State Agency for Child Protection, the Social Assistance Agency, and the Commission for Protection against Discrimination. The project will conclude with a public event involving over 100 professionals and citizens, as well as the active sharing of results on social media.

Conclusion

“Untold Stories” is an opportunity to give a voice to women and children who are too often unheard and to challenge the cycle of violence affecting their communities. The project aims to ensure that its impact continues beyond its duration by building a strong and sustainable support network and raising awareness about the issue both within Roma communities and among the wider society in Varna.

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