Petra Anti-Violence Centre

The P.e.t.r.a. Anti-Violence Centre (Practical Experience, Theories and Relations Against violence) is a service provided by the Municipality of Verona, Personal Services Department, which offers a point of reference for all victims of violence. The Centre offers a range of services designed to support anyone in difficult situations and to help them embark on a new path of recovery and independence. Users can access the Centre independently, on the advice of family members, friends or acquaintances, or through the involvement of social services or the law enforcement.

 

The Centre guarantees telephone support during specific hours, but also has a 24-hour answering machine service where anyone can leave a message to be contacted.

Victims of violence can also contact the Centre by sending an email or a message via WhatsApp. In this way, the Centre ensures rapid and accessible support, guaranteeing a response to victims’ needs at any time of the day or night.

 

Reception at the Centre is by appointment, in a confidential and free way, to ensure a safe and secure environment. Once in contact with the Centre, those assisted can undertake psychological and social support programmes, receive legal advice of a civil or criminal nature, and receive support in dealing with cases of violence through targeted advice for local services.

In emergency situations, the Centre also offers immediate shelter at affiliated facilities, available 24/7, and guarantees the possibility of finding support at the ‘Casa di P.e.t.r.a.’, a dedicated shelter with a specific project to support women’s independence. In addition, there is a self-help group for victims of violence, where participants can share their experiences and find mutual support.

 

The Centre is also involved in awareness-raising and training activities, aimed at increasing the awareness of the phenomenon of violence and training healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, lawyers and other professionals working in the field of support services.

Another fundamental aspect of the Centre’s work is research and data collection, which enables it to constantly monitor the phenomenon of violence and develop effective strategies to combat it.