REACH 2.0. – Developing Adequate Support for LBTIQ Women and Non-Binary Persons Who Have Survived Gender-Based Violence

Project objectives

The overall objective of this project is to ensure accessible, appropriate support and protection for LBTIQ women and non-binary persons who have survived gender-based violence in Croatia.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Strengthen the capacities of lesbian and feminist organisations to provide higher-quality support to LBTIQ women and non-binary persons who have experienced gender-based violence.
2. Build alliances and enhance the inclusiveness of women’s counselling centres to make their services more accessible, inclusive, and visible to LBTIQ women and non-binary persons who have experienced gender-based violence.
3. Increase public awareness of the importance of preventing and combating gender-based violence against LBTIQ women and non-binary persons.
4. Provide psychological and legal support to LBTIQ women and non-binary persons who have experienced gender-based violence, and encourage them to seek assistance.

Project description

The project builds on previous work undertaken by civil society organisations in the field of protecting LBTIQ women and non-binary persons who have survived gender-based violence, with the aim of ensuring adequate and accessible support. In the first year of implementation, research was carried out among organisations to assess their needs, challenges, and experiences in working with LBTIQ women and non-binary survivors of gender-based violence. Guidelines for providing support to LBTIQ women and non-binary survivors were developed, and a public event was organised to bring together organisations and institutions that provide support to women survivors of gender-based violence.

In the new implementation cycle, the project will continue to provide space for networking and collaboration among organisations working with women and/or LBTIQ women. It will further strengthen the capacities of professionals providing psychosocial support and increase the availability of psychosocial and legal assistance for LBTIQ women and non-binary persons. Within this framework, the project will include a study visit to the organisation Labris in Belgrade to reinforce cooperation among organisations working in the field of gender-based violence, a social media campaign featuring personal stories of LBTIQ women and non-binary survivors, expanded provision of psychosocial and legal support, training for psychosocial professionals, and the delivery of psychological, peer, and legal counselling for LBTIQ women and non-binary survivors of gender-based violence.

The project is implemented by the Lesbian Organisation Rijeka “LORI” (coordinator) and SOS Rijeka – Centre for Nonviolence and Human Rights (partner organisation). It is funded by the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community and the European Union. The content of this project is the sole responsibility of the implementing organisations and does not necessarily reflect the views of the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community or the European Union.

Contact person: Tina Kovačić, Programme Coordinator and Head of Office, tina.kovacic@sos-rijeka.org

Project duration: 15 October 2025 – 14 October 2026.