Lifesaving Help - ROSA - Centre for Women and La Bohème Café

On April 21, we interviewed the former director of ROSA – Centre for Women, who gave us insight into the organization's vision and mission and the importance of supporting local businesses.

In March, around International Women's Day, we wanted to do something extra. We donated CZK 20 from each package of Floral Bloom and each Cherry Blossom Espresso Tonic to support ROSA.

A small gesture that can help where it's truly needed.

What is the main mission of the ROSA organization?

ROSA:
ROSA was founded in 1993. From the very beginning, we knew we wanted to help women experiencing violence. We worked as social workers in a marriage counselling centre and encountered women experiencing domestic violence - but at that time, this problem was not yet perceived as a distinct issue.

Eventually, we established a club for divorced women and found that more than a third of them had experienced violence. This led us to decide to actively address this issue. We drew inspiration from abroad and began building a hidden shelter for victims of domestic violence.

The beginnings were very challenging - for ten years, we did this work alongside our regular jobs. We were pioneers and often met with a lack of understanding, even from experts.

How have your services evolved over time?

ROSA:
In 1998, we acquired our first premises for counselling, and gradually, women from all over Prague began to turn to us. In 2007, we officially registered our social services and were able to expand our help.

Today, we operate a hidden shelter, an information and counselling centre, and crisis services, including a 24/7 helpline 116 016. Approximately 360 women contact us annually.

From the original two workers, we have grown into a team of about 25 people.

Who are the women who approach you?

ROSA:
Surprisingly, these are often university-educated women with good job positions. Domestic violence does not discriminate based on education or status.

Shame and fear are major problems. Women often address the situation only after five to ten years. They hide the violence for a long time.

It is also concerning that over 600 children live in these families, and approximately 90% of them are directly affected by the violence. They then carry these experiences into their own relationships.

How has the perception of domestic violence changed in society?

ROSA:
When we started, domestic violence was considered a communication problem within a relationship. Today, the situation has shifted - there is a clearer definition and greater social awareness.

Other organizations, such as Profem and Acorus, have also played a significant role in this.

Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement - especially in a deeper understanding of the problem and in protecting victims.

Why is collaboration with local businesses, such as the La Bohème Café roastery, important to you?

ROSA:
Collaboration with local businesses is crucial for us. Domestic violence can affect anyone - including people who work in these companies or are their customers.

At the same time, this cooperation helps to raise awareness about the problem in society.

However, practical help is also very important. Women often come to us without money and without basic necessities. We need food, hygiene products, baby diapers, medicines, or household equipment.

How exactly can the roastery help?

Roastery Representative:
Our goal is to be part of the community and respond to real needs in society. Cooperation with ROSA makes sense to us because it provides concrete help to people in crisis situations.

We provide support both materially and financially. This can include food supplies, basic necessities, or involvement in awareness-raising activities.

At the same time, we believe that companies have a responsibility to address difficult topics - and domestic violence is undoubtedly one of them.

What does this cooperation bring you from ROSA's perspective?

ROSA:
It's a huge help. Some needs are not covered by public funds - for example, everyday things like food, coffee, or household equipment.

Moreover, we greatly appreciate that companies help spread awareness. Community involvement is essential.

What is your main vision for the future?

ROSA:
Our wish is safety - for women and children. We want violence in families to genuinely decrease, not just to see more and more cases.

For this to happen, it is necessary to talk about the topic across society - in schools, in companies, and in public spaces.

The cooperation between the non-profit sector and local businesses shows that addressing societal problems is not just the task of the state, but of the entire community. ROSA and its partners demonstrate that even long-standing and complex problems, such as domestic violence, can be solved systematically - and with a concrete impact on people's lives.