Mariposa sought to provide new guidance and empowerment tools for women affected by gender-based violence, helping them overcome crises and develop new perspectives, thereby avoiding social exclusion and poverty. These tools, whether before or after contacting a professional organization, improved victims' abilities to analyze and identify problems, empowering them to create action plans and find guidance for future steps. They also helped express and analyze emotions in challenging situations. A key strength of these tools was activating victims, contributing to overall empowerment and preventing the recurrence of similar situations. This was achieved by supporting reorientation after a crisis, creating personal life plans, choosing appropriate support systems, providing information on risk reduction measures, and promoting networks of mutual support. Although these tools did not replace professional crisis support, they also supported professionals in their sessions and learning processes with victims. Mariposa significantly contributed to improving the quality of life for women.
The Mariposa partnership understands gender-based violence as a violation of human rights with significant social and economic impact in Europe, as well as on a personal level for the victim. It affects the well-being and quality of life of victims and their children, especially those in poverty and facing social vulnerability, making it even more challenging to escape the situation due to their dependencies. This violence can affect people of all ages and genders, often it is related to situations of inequality and toxic relationships. Therefore, our main focus, in addition to de-escalating the dangerous situation with the aggressor, is to improve and stabilize the victim's situation. 'Mariposa' seeks to clarify the factors contributing to the situation, preventing its recurrence in future relationships. For stable solutions, those involved must become aware of toxic patterns, rebuild self-esteem, and break free from the situation. The name 'Mariposa' expresses that there is another life after the 'caterpillar stage,' symbolizing the possibility of change. The online tools we have developed have been successfully applied in complex emotional situations or with clients having difficulty expressing themselves.