Anyone can find themselves in a difficult situation, and at such a moment, it is important not to be afraid, but to seek help.

One of the areas of activity of the state institution "Territorial Center for Social Services of the Lepel District" is providing comprehensive assistance to citizens who find themselves in a difficult life situation due to domestic violence.

We discuss this topic with Valentina Generalova, Head of the Department for Comprehensive Support of Citizens in Crisis Situations of the institution.
-- With the aim of providing assistance to individuals in a crisis state (a state dangerous to health and life, in conflict with other family members, subjected to domestic violence, victims of human trafficking or terrorist acts, victims of criminal activity), the territorial center for social services has been providing temporary shelter services since 2007.
-- Valentina Mikhailovna, what categories of citizens can use this service?
-- Individuals in a state dangerous to health and life, related to conflict with other family members, subjected to domestic violence (minors can only be accompanied by one of their parents). In addition, individuals subjected to psychophysical violence and victims of human trafficking.
-- Is the service paid, and where should one apply?
-- The temporary shelter service is provided free of charge on the principles of confidentiality and voluntariness. Citizens apply for the service independently or are referred by bodies of labor, employment and social protection, education, internal affairs, healthcare organizations, and other state bodies and organizations.
-- What if a citizen who needs temporary shelter does not have identification documents with them? After all, sometimes a person leaves their permanent residence without taking documents and necessary belongings…
-- In case of an urgent need for temporary shelter services due to the absence of an identity document, the service is provided based on a written application, with the subsequent submission of an identity document within 3 working days from the date of application. In case of loss of an identity document, the citizen applies to the internal affairs bodies for its restoration.
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-- During the stay of citizens in temporary shelter, the domestic and other living conditions are based on the principles of self-service. During round-the-clock stays, food,The purchase of medicines, personal hygiene products and other items is carried out at the expense of the serviced citizens' own funds, funds transferred to the centre by individuals and legal entities by way of donation (charity), as well as funds received through humanitarian aid. The duration of stay in the temporary shelter depends on the specific circumstances and individual characteristics of the persons seeking assistance.
-- Could you provide some examples of seeking assistance…
-- For instance, in December 2023, the "trust line" received a call from a resident of Lepel district. The woman reported that she had quarrelled with her husband, who had caused a scandal, threatened her and her pensioner mother. The frightened women were forced to call the police. The troublemaker was taken away for investigation, issued a restraining order and forbidden to appear at home. However, he constantly called and threatened his wife. She feared that he might return home.
The women decided to ask for help and temporary protection. Specialists organised transportation by the Territorial Centre for Social Services (TCSS) to the temporary shelter premises and they stayed there for three days until the conflict situation was resolved.
-- How many people have used this service during the existence of the "crisis room"?
-- During this period, 43 people have used the temporary shelter service, including 22 women, 9 men, and 12 minors. In 2023, the temporary shelter service was provided to 10 citizens who were victims of domestic violence, including 6 women and 4 minors. Of these, 4 people applied independently, 3 people were referred by the education department, and 3 people were referred by the Healthcare Institution "Lepel Central Regional Hospital". In the first quarter of 2024, the temporary shelter service was not provided due to domestic violence. After comprehensive assistance, which includes services from a psychologist, lawyer, and social worker, 31 people returned home, and 12 people were accommodated in the Social Service Centre "Sviatlica".
-- As is known, in addition to the "crisis room", there is also an "aggressor's room". Could you tell us a few words about it?
-- By the decision of the Lepel District Executive Committee dated December 15, 2017, No. 1227 "On measures to provide temporary accommodation for citizens against whom a restraining order has been issued", a residential premises has been designated for the temporary accommodation of citizens against whom a restraining order has been issued, the "aggressor's room", located in the village of Zaslonovo.
The residential premises are provided on a paid basis and for the period specified in the restraining order.

Payment for temporary accommodation of citizens subject to a protective order shall be made by the citizen upon occurrence to the settlement account of KUPP "Borovka". Since 2017, no applications for accommodation in the "aggressor's room" have been received.
When conducting family assessments, information is provided on the functioning of the "crisis" room, where citizens who have suffered from domestic violence can be provided with the social service of temporary shelter. Interaction with the Department of Internal Affairs (ROVD) has been organized to ensure round-the-clock delivery of victims of domestic violence. A duty roster of specialists from the Territorial Center for Social Services (TSSON) is provided monthly to the ROVD to ensure round-the-clock operation of the "crisis" room.
A specialized page dedicated to the problem of domestic violence has been created on the official website of the Lepel District Executive Committee. Information on legislation regulating family relations, as well as issues of obtaining legal, psychological, medical, and other assistance, can be found there. A "helpline" operates in the district.
-- Is this service popular?
-- In the 1st quarter of 2024, 9 people received assistance on issues of family relationships, and in 2023 – 11 people.
Citizens are informed about the temporary shelter service by placing advertisements on the scrolling text displays of buildings: the Department of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Lepel District Executive Committee, and the TSSON.
Interview by Natalia Khrapovitskaya. Newspaper "Lepelsky Krai"