Hana’s story is one of quiet courage: enduring over ten years in a toxic relationship to shield her children from a broken home, she faced years of mental and emotional abuse that left her doubting her own strength. With support from the Liberec Intervention Center, she finally escaped and began to rebuild her life.
In the past year alone, around ninety victims like Hana have received help from the intervention center in the Liberec region, which offers aid for domestic violence that can be physical, psychological, economic, or sexual. As the number of people seeking help grows, the Liberec region, along with the Atrea Foundation and the intervention center, is intensifying support services aimed at victims who often don’t know how to find help in difficult situations.
Central to this effort is the campaign “Home Is Not Fear,” designed to raise awareness of the available services, including new focused websites that provide victims with all necessary information discreetly. Recognizing that some victims are closely watched by abusers, the site includes an emergency exit button to instantly close the page and protect their privacy.
Additionally, the Liberec intervention center has renovated its facilities to include a safe apartment for mothers and children fleeing violence. Supported by the Atrea Foundation, this residence will open in early 2026, boosting the center’s capacity. Another key addition is a confidential crisis housing apartment intended for those in acute danger, representing a critical safety network enhancement across the region.
Intervention Center manager Andrea Hermanová explained that removal of the abuser is not always enough protection, especially when the victim lives in the abuser’s family home. In such cases, the secret safe housing option allows victims to relocate safely, even to other towns if necessary.
The campaign also collaborates with CPI Hotels, which will display informational leaflets about domestic violence and are prepared to provide emergency accommodation. These multi-layered efforts aim to create a comprehensive safety net for victims.
Statistics underline the gravity of domestic violence in the Czech Republic: approximately 70 relationship-motivated murders and 700 rapes occur annually, and over 30% of women experience domestic abuse. Most victims (95%) are women, and only 20% report their abuse to the police. Economic consequences of domestic violence cost the country approximately 14.5 billion CZK yearly.
Beyond victim support, Liberec will also launch free social counseling services for perpetrators of violence, managed by the Laxus organization, which applies long-standing expertise from the League of Open Men. Training for social service workers throughout the region will ensure that professionals in each municipality are equipped to work with aggression and violent behavior effectivel