We at IKEA stand for equality and fair treatment of people in all circumstances and situations, including the life at home. This is why we decided to become the voice in raising awareness and fighting against the domestic violence as one of the most pressing issues at homes in Baltics.
1 in 4 woman in Lithuania has experienced violence from her intimate partner at least once in her life.
Data source: the State Data Agency
Meet us at BŪTENT! discussion festival
On the last weekend of August, on behalf of the “Notice Violence” initiative, we will take part in the BŪTENT! festival. Join us in an open discussion “It’s Not That Bad. Until It Is.“ We’ll examine the myths and deep-rooted beliefs about domestic violence, exploring ways to break free from them – because change is something we can all contribute to.
Moderator:
• Ignas Andriukevičius, TV and radio host
Discussion participants:
• Inga Filipova, Retail Manager IKEA Baltics
• Dainius Jakučionis, psychotherapist
• Roberta Motiečienė, PhD in Social Work, Head of Kaunas City Social Services Centre
• Rimantė Kulvinskytė, researcher of happiness, writer, journalist
When? 30 August, 13:30-14:00.
Where? BŪTENT! stage (Bernardinai Garden, Barboros Radvilaitės st. 8A, Vilnius).
Our interior designers furnished 12 festival stages for open and warm-hearted conversations.
Get a new bag,carry a vital message
Visit the “Notice violence” tent, test your ability to recognise the signs of domestic violence, and receive a limited-edition awareness bag created in collaboration with well-known Lithuanian fashion designer Robert Kalinkin.The number of bags is limited.
When?
29 August, 14:00-19:30
30 August, 11:00-19:30
Our long-term commitment
Launched in 2020, the „Notice violence“ initiative goes on and contributes to our vision to create a better everyday life for the many. Starting with 2024, we are investing more than 1 million euros against domestic violence within next five years in the Baltics, expanding our long-term social responsibility commitment. Investments include three directions:- educational awareness,
- practical makeovers at the crisis centres,
- internal engagement and support, including both education and psychological support for co-workers and makeover volunteers.
Spreading awareness
We believe that domestic violence is not just a matter of two or something to be dealt alone, it is the responsibility of society as a whole. This is why we want to become one more voice speaking about the social issue.Are you able to notice domestic violence? Can you recognise defferent forms of it? Do you know what to do if you suspect violence? To answer all these questions, we have started an awareness campaign.
Learn more
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.
Ypatingipasiūlymai
There’s always someone to trust
In case for support:
- contact the Specialized Assistance Centre by phone +370 700 55516 or at www.specializuotospagalboscentras.lt,
- find the nearest place of assistance at the website: www.visureikalas.lt,
- dial the emergency number 112 to report domestic violence in urgent situations.
Makeovers at the crisis centres
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 done a series of makeovers at one of the biggest family crisis centres in Kaunas.
Turning shelter into home
Our interior designers faced a difficult task in Kaunas. They had to equip a room for people they didn't know yet. The result? Bright and spacious rooms furnished like small apartments with a hallway, a sleeping area, a nursery corner, a workspace and a shared area for family leisure and play.Before & after
Area for cooking, leisure and play
Further on, 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.Before & after
The work continues!
At the next stage, we have renovated two more blocks of the family crisis centre choosing red and green as dominant colours to separate them. In total, we have implemented makeovers in nine rooms, two kitchens, several family leisure areas, and common corridors.Before & after
Makeovers in Vilnius
See what changes we have implemented at the Vilnius City Crisis Centre. Here, we've furnished the entire third floor with a leisure area, a shared kitchen and seven living rooms.Before & after
Welcome to the new community space
The community space serves as a leisure hub for all residents of the centre, catering to various activities such as learning, working on computer, watching TV, playing board games, reading or enjoying meals. Our aim was to craft a warm and inviting environment, where children and teenagers can unwind, socialise and feel just like at home.Before & after
Engaging co-workers
Every year dozens of IKEA co-workers volunteer to create makeovers at the crisis centres with their own hands. In the process, we not only assemble hundreds of furniture and other items, but also gain a deeper understanding of domestic violence, crisis centre operations and the pivotal role played by bystanders.
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.Learn more