Are your eyes wide open? Join us in the movement.

There are things that we can see with the naked eye: beautiful things, homes we would love, people inside them... But can the beautiful things and dream homes hide horror, fear, and despair?

Every third woman in Lithuania has experienced partner violence at least once in her life. And violence loves silence. So, don’t be silent. Keep your eyes open because domestic violence is not just a matter of two. It affects us all.

Unique design collaboration

To raise public awareness against the domestic violence, we have teamed up with a famous Lithuanian fashion designer Robert Kalinkin and created a limited collection of bags expressing the idea of noticing violence in his unique style. The goal for this collaboration is to engage the many people in joining our movement.

This kind of IKEA collaboration is happening for the first time in Lithuania. For us, the key aspect was that a social issue of domestic violence truly matters to our partner and that this person is willing to speak on such an uncomfortable and challenging topic to inspire and activate others.

A bag that will get noticed. For the issue that is often unseen.

Together with Robert Kalinkin, we have created a limited collection of NOTICE VIOLENCE bags that come in two designs. Both the big and small bags contain symbolic messages, like eye embroidery that encourages to open eyes and notice violence. Safety belts used as handles symbolize the lack of safety for violence victims and a change of mindset needed in the society to protect them.

“I have joined the “Notice violence” initiative for all the people who cannot feel safe in their own home. Design is not only about proportions and colours, it’s about us and the stories we tell. Being raised in a loving family, I feel responsible for passing the values to my kids and people around me. I've joined the movement and designed these bags to remind others how important it is to keep their eyes open and notice the signs of domestic violence.”

Robert Kalinkin, fashion designer

Every little counts

Going towards a positive change can be done even in smaller steps. Although the NOTICE VIOLENCE pin is small in size, it is a great way to show commitment to never close your eyes to violence. Wear it as a symbol of awareness and encourage bystanders to start noticing domestic violence, too.

Buy and donate

Would you like to join our movement against the domestic violence? It‘s simple. Buy any of the NOTICE VIOLENCE bags or pins and wear them proudly to spread the message. Everyone can become the ambassador. Will you?

The bags and pins are sold at the IKEA stores and online.
All profit goes to support family crisis centres in Lithuania.

What to do if I suspect violence

Be kind and attentive while talking to a person who is a victim of domestic violence.
Do not judge the victim’s actions or failure to act. Be patient and open.
Point out that violence is not the victim’s fault.
Do not urge the victims to act here and now, do not press them or be too intrusive. Allow them to open up at their own pace.
Encourage the victim to seek specialized help: police, medical care, specialized help centres.
In case of physical violence, at first let the perpetrator think that you have noticed it (doorbell ring, shout) and report this to the emergency number 112.

Source: www.visureikalas.lt

There’s always someone to trust

Dealing with difficult situations is much easier when you are not alone. If you seek help or need any support, please:

contact the Specialized Integrated Assistance Centre by phone 8 700 55516,
find the nearest place of assistance in your city at www.specializuotospagalboscentras.lt/kontaktai.

Makeovers at the crisis centre

We believe that home, even the temporary one, has to be a safe and comfortable place. To improve the living conditions of the families affected by the domestic violence, we have started a series of makeovers at one of the biggest family crisis centres in Kaunas.

Stage 1

Our interior designer Ūla faced a difficult task. She had to equip a room for people she didn't know yet. The only thing she knew was that this temporary home would someday accommodate a family of five. Here, they will live, study, work, play and relax in the same space.

Stage 2

At the second stage of our makeovers, we have renovated three more family rooms, a space for leisure and a shared kitchen. The aim was to provide families not only with a temporary shelter, but also with a child-friendly environment that would develop social skills and motivate them to return to a normal life.