European collaboration delivers solutions for preventing domestic abuse

The results of the Horizon Europe -funded ISEDA (Innovative Solutions to Eliminate Domestic Abuse) project strengthen efforts to prevent domestic violence across Europe. The aim is to improve societies’ ability and capacity to identify, intervene in, and effectively prevent such forms of violence.

The findings highlight an urgent need for coordinated action. ISEDA researchers and experts are proposing practical solutions that address both the immediate protection of victims and the long-term prevention of domestic abuse. 

Research shows that digital solutions supported by new technologies enhance service systems and improve the ability to respond to complex challenges. 

Practical tools for professionals and people affected by violence

In collaboration with researchers, service clients, experts and non-governmental organisations, the ISEDA project has developed applications and services to support intervention in domestic abuse cases. 

An interactive victim interview simulator designed for police training helps to assess violent situations sensitively, build trust and prevent the re-traumatisation of victims.

A chatbot created to support preventative work offers expert knowledge and guidance around the clock, regardless of time or location. The chatbot can be used to ask about, e.g., different forms of violence, support services, victims’ rights and how to file a report on domestic abuse to the police.

A toolkit for impact assessment, designed for work with perpetrators, enables the systematic monitoring of behavioural changes and an evaluation of victims’ safety.

The Way Out of Violence awareness raising campaign is being implemented across Europe, using such means as brochures, posters, videos and social media.

Educational programmes targeted at schools and young people provide information on the forms and consequences of violence. The goal is to foster empathy and social skills and to encourage open discussion and seeking assistance.

Europe-wide policy recommendations

Tampere University leads the work package in the ISEDA Horizon project that is responsible for synthesising the project’s outcomes and coordinating the development of research-based, Europe-wide policy recommendations for preventing domestic abuse. The recommendations are grounded in ISEDA’s multidisciplinary research and pilots conducted in various countries, which have emphasised the need to strengthen the prevention and identification of domestic abuse and intervention at all levels of society. 

Prevention must begin in a timely manner. It is recommended that education on domestic and gender-based abuse is introduced at comprehensive schools, secondary education and higher education institutions. Mandatory courses are recommended for higher and vocational education in fields where the graduating professionals will encounter victims of violence including, for example, social and health services, education and policing.

Long and inclusive campaigns are also needed to promote healthy and equal intimate relationships, which can reach different population groups. 

The researchers recommend investing in audiovisual materials and accessible, multilingual content.

“As regards legislation, our recommendations highlight the need to criminalise coercive control in countries where the matter has not been addressed yet. It is also essential that underreported forms of violence, such as digital abuse, are acknowledged in legislation,” says Professor of Social Policy Marita Husso from Tampere University.

Accessible and coordinated services play a key role

ISEDA project’s research emphasises the accessibility of services and collaboration between different actors that are central to preventing violence.

“AI-based chatbots do not replace human interaction, but they can significantly complement it especially when designed ethically, with a user-centred approach and with sensitivity to the context of violence,” researcher Hanna Mielismäki explains.

Alongside digital solutions, programmes for perpetrators are also a vital part of violence prevention and support the safety of victims.  However, they are not consistently integrated into national domestic violence strategies yet. 

“As a Europe-wide recommendation, perpetrator programmes should be embedded into judicial, health, and social services to strengthen cooperation with victim support to make prevention and risk assessment more effective,” Mielismäki adds.

“These Europe-wide policy recommendations are an important step towards reducing violence and promoting sustainable wellbeing. They enhance international dialogue and cooperation in raising awareness, advancing research and developing institutional practices,” Husso says.

Country-specific recommendations

Tampere University was also responsible for coordinating the development of the country-specific policy recommendations across the participating countries and for compiling them into the final report. In the recommendations for Finland, special emphasis was placed on the need to raise awareness, strengthen prevention and intervention efforts, and improving service systems and institutional practices.

Based on the project’s findings, the key priorities identified for Finland are:

1. Developing 24/7 online services,
2. Recognising and preventing digital violence,
3. Legislative reforms to ensure that psychological, economic and digital forms of violence are acknowledged and criminalised.

“Digital solutions can enhance the accessibility and equity of services, but it is crucial to design them so that they are ethical and context-sensitive,” Mielismäki says.

“With technological advancements, the forms of violence have diversified, making intervention increasingly complex. In recent years, several research centres and institutes dedicated to researching domestic abuse have been established around the world, including Europe and the Nordic countries. However, Finland still lacks equivalent resources and structures. This situation can be remedied, but it will require socio-political decisions and a conscious investment in anti-violence work,” Husso notes.