Our work is reflected in the lives of our clients, as well as in new laws, the attitudes of police officers, judges and health professionals, and the shape of criminal proceedings.
We work to ensure that all those who come into contact with the victim act with experience and empathy. We educate professionals on the needs of victims and work to ensure that any encounter and communication with a victim is sensitive and beneficial.
Our Vision
To create a connected network of professional empathic support without predjudice. Help that is available to all victims of domestic and sexual violence and in the form they need it.
Our mission
Increasing the expertise, effectiveness and accessibility of public assistance for victims of domestic and sexual violence to ensure the best possible quality of life for them.
We have been helping for 30 years.
What are we doing?
Accessible help
We provide victims of sexual and domestic violence with legal, social and psychotherapeutic counselling. Our branches are available in four cities in the Czech Republic. In January 2024, we opened PORT, the first comprehensive centre for victims of sexual violence in the Czech Republic.
Lobbying
Thanks to our many years of experience, we can name the flaws in the system. We proactively reach out to legislators with our suggestions and work to change legislation. We will not stop until we create a safe environment where victims receive justice.
Information and education
Breaking down myths and societal prejudices through awareness-raising campaigns. We conduct expert research and analysis. We train those who are among the first in contact with victims of violence: police, courts, doctors and other professionals.
We are changing the doubtful question "Did it really happen?" to the clear reassurance of "We believe you."
Why is our work necessary?
In all areas that affect the safe lives of women and girls, dangerous stereotypes still prevail: at home, at school, at the first encounter with the police, at the doctor, in court, in politics or in the media. We live in a society in which the victim of sexual or domestic violence has to defend her trauma. A society that is more concerned with what has happened than with how the victim feels and what they need.
Stereotypical ideas of what rape looks like, how a victim should act, look or react in the moment are reflected in the attitudes of professionals and the public. Questions like What were you wearing? And why didn't you leave him? puts the blame on the victim and not on the perpetrator. This attitude and behaviour often discourages rape survivors from sharing or addressing their trauma.
At proFem, we are gradually and purposefully changing this attitude in public institutions, services and society. We are changing their approach to victims and the process to which they are subjected. We are changing the doubtful question "Did it really happen?" to the clear reassurance of "We believe you.
A multidisciplinary team of experts and amazing partners.
Who is involved in the change?
Our team
At the core of proFem is our multidisciplinary team of women professionals - from experts who provide direct care and those in the back office, management or administration to project managers and experts in lobbying, outreach and networking with other nonprofits.
Each of us contributes to our vision - to help victims of domestic and sexual violence on their journey back to a fulfilling life. Our work and commitment together allows us to create real change in the lives of those who need our help.
Our partners
Collective action is needed to create a connected network of support. That's why we actively connect with local and international actors, and together we are able to address sexual and domestic violence from all sides.
Collaborative efforts are key to implementing systemic change, spreading awareness and building a comprehensive support network that helps victims in the process of healing and returning to a full life.
What does working with partners enable us to do?
- strengthening advocacy efforts
- advocating more effectively for legislative changes that protect the rights and interests of victims
- extending assistance to as many victims as possible
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Code of Ethics proFem
We are guided by the key principles of human rights, human dignity, freedom and equality when working with our clients. These principles are also reflected in the way we operate within the organisation and in our internal collaboration.
The proFem Code of Conduct summarises the principles of conduct and behaviour of all proFem o.p.s. staff, whether full-time or part-time, or external collaborators (e.g. volunteers, interns and trainees).
