Crisis centres represent a safe refuge for children who have been exposed to various forms of violence within their immediate family. There are many forms of child abuse, and many of the cases are examples of exceptionally cruel mental and physical abuse.
Crisis centres for children and youth are intended for those who find themselves in a crisis which requires them to be removed immediately from this threatening environment. They admit children and youth who either come on their own volition or have been recommended for admission by a social work centre or other institution.
There are ten crisis centres for children and youth in Slovenia, one of these admits children up to the age of six, the remainder admit children from the ages of 6 to 18, and exceptionally also younger adults. Foundation allocated the funds raised to the operation of a crisis centre in Krško as well as the two new crisis centres for children and youth in Koper and Nova Gorica.
The efforts of the foundation were also aimed towards establishing a central specialized Slovenian centre for children and youth who had experienced the most severe forms of abuse and violence, where they could receive comprehensive treatment.
“Every child who has been mistreated has the right to be protected. Any form of violence violates the child’s rights to human dignity and physical integrity.”
Dr. Danilo Türk, in a speech at the International Conference on Children’s Rights and Protection Against Abuse (Ljubljana, 7 October 2009)