A Polish high school student launched a fake online shop as a lifeline to domestic abuse victims trapped during the lockdown. The pitch is one of the 23 projects that have won the European Union prize worth €10,000 (RM48,978).
Krystyna Pazko heard of the concept when it started in France where people go to the pharmacy enquiring about a ‘special mask’. It becomes a code to let people know they are victims of domestic violence.
So she started her own with cosmetics. Krystyna, 17, launched “Rumianki i Bratki” (Camomiles and Pansies) to sell the cosmetics on an online platform. Through here, the victim can hide requests for help from their abuser by appearing to be shopping online.
By asking about “skin problems” and how long it has been going on, a psychologist responds. By placing an ‘order’, it is code for the authorities to visit their home.
Since its launch, more than 350 people have contacted with most victims are under 40 with 10% male.
“More younger women prefer to write on Facebook than to call on the phone, it’s more natural for younger women to use Facebook chat. Most of the men writing to us are teenagers,” she said.
The 17-year-old has always been interested in human & women’s rights. According to the president of the Women’s Rights Centre, Urszula Nowakowska, she was very impressed with the project. The official data shows the call to the organization’s hotline rose about 50% compared with 2019.
The EU’s Civil Solidarity Prize that she won shed a light on the problem. She felt pleased and grateful for every cooperation she gained and those involved in the initiative.
Source: BBC, Notes from Poland