Zero-Tolerance on All Forms of Domestic Violence:
Towards Comprehensive EU-Wide Action

Key Speakers

	Dr. Erica Bowen, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Coventry University, UK
	Anne Galand, Unit for Gender Equality, DG JUST, European Commission
	Dr. Constance Ohms, Manager, Broken Rainbow, Germany
	Taina Riski, Programme Officer Council of Europe
	John Liversidge, TecSOS Project Manager, Thames Valley Partnership

According to the Council of Europe, around 12-15% of all women have been in an abusive relationship from the age of 16 and approximately 20-25% of women across the European region suffer physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. One of the most concerning elements surrounding domestic violence is that existing strategies do not take into account all those affected by the phenomenon; whilst women in heterosexual relationships and their children are considered, intimate partner violence in LGBT, men and youth relationships receive little attention.

The Commission’s Daphne III Programme builds on the achievements of the previous Daphne Programmes aiming to take preventative measures and provide support and protection for victims and groups at risk from all forms of violence. The strongest focus of the Programme is placed on children as victims of domestic violence. Violence against women and domestic violence has a direct and indirect impact on children; witnessing violence amongst adults is traumatising and has a lasting effect on them.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that new forms of abuse which have developed through the internet represent a considerable and worrying challenge for the authorities. However, cyberspace also presents an important opportunity to provide support to those affected by domestic violence and raise awareness. Stigma and discrimination have formed significant setbacks in dealing with domestic violence and, as such, the importance of raising awareness needs to be stressed in order to alter public perceptions.

This international symposium will analyse the existing challenges in shaping a truly comprehensive and holistic strategy and toolkit for assessing, preventing and protecting against every type of violence and abuse in a domestic environment. Delegates will focus on the role of regional and international organisations in combating domestic violence at all levels and analyse evidence of the repercussions of intimate partner violence. Furthermore, the symposium will discuss the urgent need to collect comprehensive data in order to deal with the challenges posed and provide an invaluable platform to share best practices.

The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate with local and regional practitioners and policymakers at EU level.

Delegates will:

• Examine the current strategy and framework for tackling domestic violence including policy developments
• Understand the challenges, typologies of all forms of domestic violence and abuse and explore potential solutions and prevention scenarios
• Exchange good practices from cross-border projects and analyse comparative knowledge of shaping the use of technology and cyberspace in the field of domestic violence
• Utilise the added value of major stakeholders, international and regional organisations in delineating holistic strategies for empowering all victims of domestic violence and abuse

Programme

Who Should Attend?

• Women’s Refuge and Advice Centres
• Domestic Violence Co-ordinators
• Youth Services
• Housing Officers
• Family Courts
• Police Service, Police Authorities and Fire Services
• Probation Officers
• Child Protection Agencies
• Families Services Officers
• Family Advice Centres
• Health Service Professionals
• Child Welfare Research Centres
• Victim Support Representatives
• Community Cohesion and Development Organisations
• Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships
• Community Safety Teams
• LGBT Rights Associations
• Neighbourhood Policing Teams
• Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinators
• Drug and Alcohol Action Teams
• Youth Offending Teams
• Community Support Officers
• Children and Youth Services
• Housing Associations
• Social Workers and Social Services Officers
• Local Education Welfare Authorities
• Teachers and Head Teachers
• Criminal Justice Practitioners
• Judges and Magistrates
• Legal Professionals
• Local Authority Officers and Councillors
• Central Government Departments and Agencies
• Equality and Diversity Practitioners
• Academics and Researchers