Effective coordination and referral mechanisms are important for ensuring that victims of violence against women and domestic violence receive protection and timely, appropriate and continuous support. As victims often interact with multiple services, cooperation among professionals and specialised institutions plays a key role in ensuring continuity of assistance and protection.

The Council of Europe project organised a two-day workshop on enhancing inter-shelter coordination, referral mechanisms and social work practices. The event brought together 35 participants from the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, Family and Children Support Centres, the Social Services Agency, the Ministry of Health, shelter service providers,  civil society organisations, and practitioners from different regions of Azerbaijan.

Drawing on experiences from Türkiye and the Republic of Moldova, participants explored international approaches to coordination and referrals, reflected on existing practices in Azerbaijan and discussed practical ways to strengthen cooperation among service providers. Discussions highlighted the importance of mapping available social services, strengthening information-sharing and establishing regular coordination meetings among relevant stakeholders.

The workshop also provided an opportunity to present and discuss the draft Guidelines for Social Workers and gather feedback from practitioners working directly with victims.

This event is part of the European Union and the Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance III”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project "Preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence in Azerbaijan."