Liguria recognizes the professional role of anti-violence center workers.

For the first time the professional figure of theanti-violence center operator is included in the regional register of professional figures in Liguria. The measure, introduced by the Councilor for Equal Opportunities Simona Ferro, formally recognizes the strategic role of these professionals in the system of prevention and fight against gender violence.

"Combating gender-based violence is a dramatically timely issue, and we want these professionals to be increasingly trained and protected," says Regional Councilor Ferro. "No one can improvise on such a crucial and sensitive issue, especially since, in many cases, these workers can truly save the lives of women who turn to anti-violence centers. This is why we wanted to include a new and crucial figure in the regional register, ensuring a clear regulatory framework and institutionally recognized training programs."

THEanti-violence center operator she is a professional specialized inreception and support for women victims of violence, even in the presence of minor children. Operates in compliance with the confidentiality, anonymity and human rights, collaborating with psychologists, social workers, cultural mediators, lawyers and other professionals to offer a multidisciplinary support in the process of exiting violence. Its function covers all phases:

• initial listening and welcome

• individual protection plan

• support towards autonomy (job reintegration, housing, service network)

With this inclusion, the Liguria Region fills a regulatory gap and starts a structured process of certified trainingThe training courses will include at least 120 hours, with a significant portion of practical activity. The update was coordinated by Alpha Liguria, in collaboration with third sector organizations, universities, municipalities, and local anti-violence centers.

“Gender violence is not fought only with laws, but also with the concrete recognition of those who support the victims every day,” concludes Councilor Ferro. “The operator of the anti-violence centers is a a garrison of humanity, competence and courage: for this reason it must have adequate tools and the right valorization of its professional role in regional policies".