We at IKEA stand for equality and fair treatment of people in all circumstances and situations, including the life at home. This is why we decided to become the voice in raising awareness and fighting against the domestic violence as one of the most pressing issues at homes in Baltics.
1 in 4 woman in Latvia has experienced violence from her intimate partner at least once in her life.
Data source: the Central Statistical Bureau survey (2021)
Our long-term commitment
Launched in 2020, the „Notice violence“ initiative goes on and contributes to our vision to create a better everyday life for the many. Starting with 2024, we are investing more than 1 million euros against domestic violence within next five years in the Baltics, expanding our long-term social responsibility commitment. Investments include three directions:- educational awareness,
- practical makeovers at the crisis centres,
- internal engagement and support, including both education and psychological support for co-workers and makeover volunteers.
Spreading awareness
We believe that domestic violence is not just a matter of two or something to be dealt alone, it is the responsibility of society as a whole. This is why we want to become one more voice speaking about the social issue.Are you able to notice domestic violence? Can you recognise defferent forms of it? Do you know what to do if you suspect violence? To answer all these questions, we have started an awareness campaign.
Learn more
What to do if I suspect violence
- Be kind and attentive while talking to a person who is a victim of domestic violence.
- Do not judge the victim’s actions or failure to act. Be patient and open.
- Point out that violence is not the victim’s fault.
- Do not urge the victims to act here and now, do not press them or be too intrusive. Allow them to open up at their own pace.
- Encourage the victim to seek specialized help: police, medical care, specialized help centres.
There’s always someone to trust
If you need help or support, you can always contact:- hotline for victims of violence: 116 006 (every day 12:00–22:00);
- 24/7 hotline for emotional and psychological support: 116123, 67222922 or 27722292;
- state supported legal aid: 80001801;
- free helpline for children and adolescents: 116111;
- emergency number 110 to report domestic violence in urgent situations.
Makeovers at the crisis centres
We believe that home, even the temporary one, has to be a safe and comfortable place. To improve the living conditions of the families affected by the domestic violence, we have done a series of makeovers at the crisis centres "Mīlgrāvis" and “Burtnieks”.
A home away from home
The mission of our interior designers Ieva and Renāte was to give the temporary accommodation an air of a safe haven to regenerate and to gather strength for starting anew. See how an involuntary utilitarian minimalism with basic furnishing essentials has turned into a true home away from home.Before & after
A kitchen for big and small
At the second stage of our makeovers, the task was to freshen up a kitchen of a crisis centre to fit the many temporary inhabitants that come and go here. We didn't want to make the kitchen purely utilitarian, it had to feel like home. See how our interior designer Elīna made this happen.Before & after
A safe haven for families
Explore another transformative makeover of the kitchen and living rooms in the crisis centre "Burtnieks", whre our interior designers incorporated functional and stylish furniture, optimising space and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.Before & after
Space for imagination and creativity
At third makeover stage in a crisis center "Burtnieks", our designer combined creativity and practicality. The spacious classroom is the center's heart. Here people in crisis can take refuge in creative activities that encourage communication and trust and heal the soul through art and work. Check out how our designer Ieva made it happen!Before & after
Engaging co-workers
Every year dozens of IKEA co-workers volunteer to create makeovers at the crisis centres with their own hands. In the process, we not only assemble hundreds of furniture and other items, but also gain a deeper understanding of domestic violence, crisis centre operations and the pivotal role played by bystanders.
Unique design collaboration
To raise public awareness against the domestic violence, we have teamed up with a famous Latvian artist Kristians Brekte and created a limited collection of bags expressing the idea of noticing violence in his unique style.Learn more