Deadline: 10-Oct-2026
The Norway Grant Program supports the creation and pilot operation of integrated Sexual Assault Centres in Slovakia. The initiative aims to provide immediate, coordinated, and survivor-centred healthcare, forensic, and psychosocial services for victims of sexual violence.
The programme funds hospital-based one-stop service models that improve access to care, strengthen cooperation with justice systems, and reduce secondary victimisation.
What Is the Norway Grant Sexual Assault Centre Programme?
The Norway Grant Program supports the development of specialised Sexual Assault Centres in Slovakia to improve responses to sexual violence.
The centres are designed as integrated services within healthcare institutions, allowing survivors to access essential support in one location.
The model combines:
- Emergency medical care
- Forensic examination
- Psychological support
- Social assistance
- Referral services
The programme aims to create safer, faster, and more coordinated support systems for survivors.
Main Objectives of the Programme
The initiative aims to:
- Establish specialised Sexual Assault Centres
- Improve survivor access to immediate care
- Strengthen healthcare and justice coordination
- Provide 24/7 support services
- Reduce trauma caused by fragmented services
- Improve national coverage of specialised assistance
Why Sexual Assault Centres Are Needed
Survivors of sexual violence often require multiple types of support immediately after an incident.
Without coordinated services, they may face:
- Delays in medical care
- Repeated interviews and examinations
- Difficulty accessing psychological support
- Complex referral processes
Sexual Assault Centres address these challenges by bringing essential services together in one healthcare setting.
Supported Service Model
One-Stop-Shop Healthcare Approach
The centres will operate within hospitals and provide coordinated assistance.
Services may include:
- Emergency healthcare
- Clinical assessment
- Medical treatment
- Forensic evidence collection
- Survivor information and guidance
Forensic and Justice Support
The programme supports stronger cooperation between healthcare providers and justice authorities.
Activities may include:
- Forensic examination procedures
- Evidence preservation systems
- Coordination with police services
- Referral pathways for legal processes
Psychosocial Support
The centres will provide access to:
- Psychological assistance
- Emotional support
- Crisis intervention
- Follow-up referrals
The aim is to support recovery and reduce long-term harm.
24/7 Accessibility
The initiative promotes services that are available around the clock.
This includes:
- Emergency response capacity
- Trained multidisciplinary teams
- Immediate survivor assistance
National Coverage and Accessibility
The programme focuses on creating geographically balanced access across Slovakia.
Projects should consider:
- Regional healthcare needs
- Accessibility for survivors
- Inclusion of underserved communities
Support for Vulnerable Groups
The initiative particularly supports access for:
- Women experiencing sexual violence
- Survivors of domestic violence
- People affected by gender-based violence
- Marginalised communities
Funding Details
Total available funding:
€2,500,000
Individual project grants:
€400,000 to €600,000
Funding supports the establishment and operation of Sexual Assault Centres.
Eligible Costs
Funding may cover:
Staff Costs
Support includes:
- Salaries
- Project personnel costs
- Specialist staff involvement
Travel and Subsistence
Eligible expenses include:
- Project-related travel
- Participant travel costs
- Necessary subsistence expenses
Equipment and Supplies
Funding may support:
- Medical equipment
- Service delivery tools
- Consumables
- Operational supplies
Equipment costs may include the full purchase value where eligible.
Contracted Services
Projects may fund:
- External expertise
- Specialist services
- Technical support
Land and Real Estate Costs
Certain land and property-related costs may be eligible if they directly support project delivery and meet programme conditions.
Indirect Costs
Overhead costs may be covered through approved calculation methods.
Eligible indirect cost options include:
- 15% of eligible staff costs, or
- 7% of total direct costs
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is open to organisations capable of delivering healthcare-based support services.
Eligible applicants include:
- Public hospitals
- Public healthcare institutions
- Private healthcare institutions with emergency departments
Applicants must have the ability to establish and operate Sexual Assault Centres.
Eligible Project Partners
Partnerships may include organisations from:
- Slovakia
- Norway and other donor states
- Eligible neighbouring countries
- International organisations
Partners may include:
- Public entities
- Private organisations
- Non-governmental organisations
Partners should contribute directly to project implementation.
How to Apply
Step 1: Develop a Project Concept
Applicants should define:
- Proposed Sexual Assault Centre model
- Healthcare integration approach
- Service delivery plan
- Expected outcomes
Step 2: Build a Multidisciplinary Plan
Projects should explain cooperation between:
- Medical teams
- Forensic specialists
- Psychologists
- Social services
- Justice authorities
Step 3: Prepare a Budget
Applicants should include:
- Staff costs
- Equipment expenses
- Operational costs
- Partner contributions
Costs must be reasonable and directly linked to project goals.
Step 4: Submit Application
Applicants must provide:
- Project proposal
- Implementation plan
- Budget documentation
- Partnership details
Step 5: Project Assessment
Applications are assessed based on:
- Quality of the service model
- Feasibility
- Impact on survivors
- Partnership strength
- Budget effectiveness
Why This Programme Matters
The Norway Grant initiative strengthens survivor-centred responses to sexual violence by improving access to specialised support.
The programme helps create:
- Safer healthcare systems
- Faster emergency assistance
- Better coordination between services
- Stronger protection for survivors
By integrating healthcare, forensic, and psychosocial services, the initiative supports a more effective and compassionate response to sexual violence.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Weak Coordination Plans
Sexual Assault Centres require cooperation between multiple services.
Tip: Clearly explain how healthcare, police, and support organisations will work together.
Limited Survivor Focus
Projects should prioritise survivor needs.
Tip: Include approaches that reduce stress, delays, and repeated trauma.
Poor Accessibility Planning
Services need to reach people across regions.
Tip: Explain how the project improves geographic access.
Unclear Sustainability Approach
Long-term operation is important.
Tip: Describe how the centre will continue after the grant period.
Incomplete Budget Justification
Costs must be linked to project activities.
Tip: Explain why each expense is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Norway Grant Sexual Assault Centre Programme?
It funds the creation and pilot operation of integrated Sexual Assault Centres in Slovakia.
What services will Sexual Assault Centres provide?
They will provide medical care, forensic examination, psychological support, and referral services in one location.
Who can apply?
Public and private healthcare institutions with emergency departments can apply.
How much funding is available?
The total programme budget is €2,500,000, with grants ranging from €400,000 to €600,000.
Can organisations from Norway participate?
Yes. Eligible partners from Norway and other approved countries may participate in project partnerships.
Are equipment costs covered?
Yes. Eligible equipment and supplies needed for project delivery may be funded.
What costs are not eligible?
Excluded costs include debt interest, penalties, recoverable VAT, financial losses, and excessive or unjustified expenses.
Conclusion
The Norway Grant Program provides essential support for developing integrated Sexual Assault Centres in Slovakia.
By combining healthcare, forensic services, psychological care, and coordinated referrals, the programme aims to create stronger survivor-centred systems that improve protection, recovery, and access to justice.
For more information, visit EEA.