Zonta Club of Kungalv advocates to restore local crisis reception for victims of domestic violence

In December 2019, a local newspaper in Kungalv, Sweden, announced that a curatorial position at the reception for victims of domestic violence would be moved to another section. As a result, the crisis reception in Kungalv completely disappeared, no longer supporting its usual 60 to 70 women and 150 children annually. 

A former Zonta club member and local resident wrote a letter to the paper and alerted the president of the Zonta Club of Kungalv. At the first monthly meeting of the year, the club decided to respond with a letter to the municipal management and to the press. The letter was sent to the municipal manager in January 2020.

The club’s letter was answered and members were invited to a discussion with the local authority the following August. The meeting was attended by three Zonta members and several municipal representatives. The discussion with the local authority was constructive and the Zontians raised important questions regarding fulfilling the need for support on domestic violence issues.

In December 2020, the club was alerted that the crisis reception for victims of domestic violence was to be restored. The position has now been filled and the business will start during March. The work done by the Zonta Club of Kungalv is a great example of how advocacy leads to success.