Program Highlights
November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. To raise awareness about domestic abuse and ways to address it, the President Kaljulaid Foundation has launched the Stronger Together Orange Special Program.
According to Statistics Estonia, 41% of women in Estonia have experienced domestic abuse, including physical, psychological, or sexual violence. Alarmingly, the number of individuals seeking help has significantly declined in recent years, despite the ongoing need for support.
Over the coming weeks, the program will explore the multifaceted issue of domestic abuse through art, music, culture, urban spaces, media, and science. These creative and thought-provoking formats aim to inspire collective understanding, with a particular emphasis on the vital role of bystanders.
Don’t Just Be a Bystander! Don’t look away!
Orange Urban Spaces: A Beacon of a Violence-Free Future
From November 25, major Estonian cities—Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu—will light up in orange, the global symbol of hope for a violence-free future. This initiative, led by the President Kaljulaid Foundation, aims to spark dialogue, increase awareness, and inspire collective efforts toward a safer society.
Shining a Light on Domestic Abuse Through Film
In collaboration with the Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), the Foundation will highlight a selection of films exploring the complexities of domestic abuse. Each screening will feature expert-led panel discussions focusing on prevention, support, and recovery.
Visit the PÖFF website for the full film schedule.
Art Speaks—We Listen: Young Artists Bring Awareness to Tallinn’s Streets
In October, students from the Estonian Academy of Arts took part in a masterclass focused on addressing domestic abuse through art. Led by acclaimed artists and trauma specialists, they created impactful pieces designed to raise awareness and inspire change.
Starting November 25, these thought-provoking pieces will be showcased near the Estonian National Opera and on Freedom Square, encouraging viewers to reflect on domestic abuse and its impact.
Music as a Voice for Hidden Stories
Many well-loved songs hold deeper, often painful stories about domestic abuse. To bring these narratives to light, musician and advocate, Hannaliisa Uusma has curated a Spotify playlist, Peidetud sõnumid, featuring iconic tracks from Estonia and beyond.
Estonian musicians will lend their voices to the cause, culminating in the premiere of Mari Jürjens’ heartfelt song, a tribute to compassion and understanding.
Literary Insights: Explore Stories That Matter
From November 25, libraries in Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu will host curated book exhibitions addressing the themes and impacts of domestic abuse. The exhibit, organized by the Pärnu Women’s Support Center, includes selections from fiction and non-fiction, with recommendations from Estonian writers Kristiina Ehin, Jan Kaus and Gregor Kulla.
Annual Conference: Stronger Together
On December 3rd, Kai Art Center will host the annual “Stronger Together” conference. This year’s focus is on ethical, trauma-informed communication. Renowned journalist Rachel Louise Snyder will deliver the keynote speech, sharing insights from her extensive work on domestic abuse.
The event will also mark the launch of the Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative, aimed at raising awareness of domestic abuse’s impact on professional environments and encouraging businesses to foster supportive organizational cultures.
Additionally, the Foundation will announce grant recipients for innovative projects that promote domestic abuse prevention and education in Estonia.
Trauma-Informed Journalism Seminar
On December 6, the Social Insurance Board’s Victim Support Unit will host a seminar for journalists on reporting domestic abuse with sensitivity and trauma awareness. For more information, contact Uku Tampere at uku.tampere@sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee or +372 5303 0204.
Join the Movement for a Safer Society
The President Kaljulaid Foundation and its partners invite everyone to participate in building a more compassionate, violence-free community.
Supporters: Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, U.S. Embassy, UK Embassy, Swedish Embassy, Estonian Academy of Arts, Print24, JCDecaux Estonia, Megameedia, Digiposter, Mari Jürjens and the city of Tallinn.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, help is available. Visit www.palunabi.ee.
Victim Support Hotline: 116 006 (24/7, confidential and free).
In emergencies, call 112.