About NANE

In line with scientific research on intimate partner violence and sexual violence and harassment against women and girls, international conventions addressing violence and discrimination, and our decades of experience, we understand these forms of violence as social phenomena rooted in patriarchal, hierarchical and unequal gender roles that place men above women, as well as in the different ways people are socialised in relation to masculinity and femininity. No one is born a perpetrator or a victim: the existence and persistence of violence against girls and women are the result of social processes and structures. We therefore define violence against women as a structural (systemic) and global phenomenon that transcends social, economic and national boundaries.

It follows that, in our view, achieving full social equality between women and men is a fundamental prerequisite for ending violence against women.

These principles form the foundation of our organisation’s work and serve as the starting point for defining our aims and responsibilities.

Our Mission

Our aim is to contribute to building a world in which there is no place for violence against women and children. To this end, we support victims through an evidence-based, feminist, trauma-focused approach grounded in their rights and needs. We strengthen the capacity of professionals working in Hungary’s social and education systems, as well as those involved in legislation and law enforcement, to support and protect victims and prevent violence. As part of this work, we document and synthesise the experiences of those affected and represent their interests. We promote gender equality through knowledge-sharing.

Our Vision and Values

NANE’s vision is a world, and Hungary within it, where:

• gender equality is achieved,
• society actively challenges violence against women at every level,
• equality is pursued in every area of life,
• women’s rights are recognised as human rights.
         

We value mutual support and solidarity among women, as well as feminist principles that oppose the maintenance of unequal power relations between genders and seek to achieve equality.

Our Activities
Individual Support Services

• A toll-free helpline for those affected, available every weekday.
• Online chat and email service.
• Integrated Client Support: psychosocial and legal support provided jointly with PATENT Association.
• Pillar Program: psychosocial support.

Community-Level Activities

• Training, consultations and workshops for professionals who come into contact with victims of violence against women or are involved in providing support to them.
• Training and workshops for members of the public and non-professional helpers.
• Violence prevention sessions for young people.
• Consultations and program packackes for professionals working with young people.
• Trauma-informed support groups. 
• Volunteer training for future activists and counsellors.
  
  

Activities Engaging Society as a Whole

• Publication of professional and informational materials and leaflets, and translation and editing of professional and self-help books.
• Organisation of awareness-raising events and educational campaigns.
• Media engagement: representing the interests of those affected professionally through media statements and our own campaigns.
• Initiation of cooperation between organisations.
• Advocacy towards national and international institutions. Promoting the development of relevant legislation and procedures, conducting research and developing recommendations.
• Initiating cooperation with local governments, preparing policy proposals and supporting institutional development.
     

Our Principles

• We recognise that the roles of helper and person receiving help are circumstances that anyone may experience in their life.
• We treat those affected as equal partners.
• We always bear in mind that we, too, may be affected by violence.
• We believe those who disclose their experiences.
• We avoid victim-blaming.
• We respect those affected and never abuse their trust.
  
• We strive to strengthen their belief in their own abilities and resources.
  
• Together with those affected, we explore the steps they have already taken and the options available to them.
  
• We communicate clearly and patiently.
  
• We never suggest that their situation is hopeless or that there is no solution.
  
• We provide information rather than instructions.
  
• We recognise that the right to make decisions belongs to the person affected, and we never exert pressure on them in any way.
  
• We avoid judgement under all circumstances.
  
• We do not assume the role of an all-knowing expert.
  
• We consider it important to take a clear ethical stand against abuse and all forms of violence.
  
• We recognise that those affected often have mixed feelings towards the perpetrator.
  
• We identify and reflect on our own misconceptions, prejudices and expectations.
  
• We recognise that those affected are also influenced by widespread misconceptions, as well as by prejudices and expectations that justify violence.
  
• We never instruct or advise those affected to change their behaviour in a way that suggests they could thereby avoid abuse or sexual violence.
  
• We remember that helpers must also take care of themselves.
  
• We pay attention to our own well-being and remain aware of our own experiences and potential involvement in the issues we address.

 

Our Community

NANE’s more than three decades of work have been made possible by its diverse, dedicated and continually growing community. Over the past thirty years, approximately 2,000 women have contributed to the Association’s work. As volunteer helpers, activists and experts, they have worked, and continue to work, towards eliminating violence against women.