Unidas, the intermunicipal victim support network, is a pioneering social intervention project designed to support victims of violence in the Douro, Tâmega e Sousa regions (PT). It stands as a beacon of hope and assistance, providing specialised, confidential, and free services to those in need. 

It offers:

• Social Support: Helping victims reintegrate into society, regain their confidence, and rebuild their lives.
• Psychological Support: Providing therapeutic services to address trauma, stress, and emotional wellbeing.
• Legal Support: Offering legal guidance and representation to navigate the complexities of the justice system. 

This support is accessibile, with services available across multiple municipalities, and based in 11 support centres, to ensure that it is within reach of anyone in the Douro, Tâmega e Sousa regions.  

The victim support network emerged from Comunidade Intermunicipal (CIM) of Tâmega e Sousa in 2018. It aims to address the modernisation of administrations on an intermunicipal scale, focusing on "enhancing social inclusion, quality of life, and territorial cohesion”.  

The main goal is to create an integrated intermunicipal network for specialised victim support, with improved networking among existing services, standardised procedures, tools and intervention strategies. The ultimate aim is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of responses at the intermunicipal level.  

This network is anchored in the Protocol for the Territorialisation of the National Support Network for Victims of Domestic Violence, signed by 40 parties. This protocol aims to enhance prevention and protection, and counter domestic violence in the Douro, Tâmega, and Sousa regions. It was initially based on the National Strategy for Equality and Non-Discrimination 2018-2020 “Portugal + Igual” (ENIND). 

Additionally, there is an Internal Operating Regulation, defining each area of intervention, as well as a methodological guide for the standardisation of network procedures. 

The Intermunicipal Victim Support Network adopts a comprehensive, integrated approach that spans environmental, economic, and social dimensions.  

Social: The network provides support for victims of domestic violence, taking into account social inclusion, empowerment programmes, and intermunicipal collaboration. 

Economic: The network creates employment and training opportunities, and provides economic stability for victims through financial assistance and reintegration support. 

Environmental: The network encompasses sustainable practices (resource efficiency, local service delivery), and community wellbeing (safe and healthy environments, integrated urban planning, cross-sector collaboration).  

The network not only enhances the wellbeing of individuals, but also contributes to the overall health, stability, and resilience of urban communities. This holistic model can serve as a valuable blueprint for other regions addressing complex urban challenges through coordinated and multidimensional strategies. 

The network operates through several work plans.  

The specialised municipal networks plan involves semi-annual meetings of the Public Prosecutor's Office, National Republican Guard, health services, and the Commission for the Protection of Children and Youth, to discuss any constraints in specific cases. 

At the regional level, territorial protocol meetings every four months focus on intervention methods, awareness activity plans, and interventions. The regional plan supports the municipal plan, and helps create procedural guidelines that enable the standardisation of procedures. 

There is a commitment from the 40 signatories of the protocol, and a willingness to be part of the solution in combating domestic violence through genuine teamwork. 

UNIDAS (Intermunicipal Victim Support Network) was established to provide integrated support services for victims of domestic violence across multiple municipalities.

As of March 2024, it has provided crucial support to:

•  2 009 adult victims.
•  332 minor victims. 

In total, 12 917 support sessions have been conducted. 

It delivers ongoing training programmes for staff to ensure high-quality service delivery. Community awareness campaigns, involving educational programmes and outreach initiatives, have raised awareness about violence and the support available. 

Needs addressed:

• Immediate crisis intervention.
• Comprehensive support.
• Community awareness.
• Resource accessibility. 

UNIDAS provides a multi-faceted support system that includes social, psychological, and legal assistance. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of a victim's recovery are addressed. It can serve as a valuable model for others looking to improve their domestic violence support services.  

It operates under a set of standardised procedures and best practices outlined in its Methodological Guide and Internal Operating Regulation. These documents ensure uniformity and consistency in service delivery, which can help other cities, regions or countries establish an effective support network. 

UNIDAS fosters collaboration and resource sharing among 11 municipalities. This model can be particularly beneficial in cases where populations are spread-out, as it ensures that resources and support services are accessible to all victims, regardless of their location. 

The practice is linked to specific national governance and legislative contexts in Portugal. However, there is scope to amend the practice to suit other city contexts, both within Portugal and in other countries.  

Transferring UNIDAS to other cities requires a comprehensive approach that addresses legal alignment, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, adaptation of operational models, robust monitoring and evaluation, sustainability planning, and effective knowledge sharing.  

By systematically addressing these factors, cities can adapt and implement similar victim support networks tailored to their unique contexts and needs.