• The EU is inching towards comparable data on intimate partner violence

    Spikes in domestic violence reports during Covid-19 lockdowns have been a sad reminder that, across the world, women frequently face the most danger from people they know. Yet when it comes to intimate partner violence, each EU Member State collects data in a different way.

    Woman forensic analyst
  • Policy brief: Gender & Security

    The EU is facing complex and evolving security threats, such as organised crime and terrorism, cyber violence and hybrid threats. This has placed security high on the political agenda. However...

  • Beijing +25 policy brief: Area I - Human rights of women: under threat

    All EU Member States have obligations to eliminate discrimination against women and ensure that they fully enjoy their human rights. The long-standing Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women is the basis for this. Since 2013, there have been several developments within EU policy that are relevant to the human rights of women. First, the Istanbul...

  • Beijing +25 policy brief: Area E - Women and armed conflict: participation and protection in the EU

    The Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) underlined the importance of women’s participation in conflict resolution and the promotion of lasting peace. It also recognised that women have the right to protection, as they are at particular risk of being targeted by violence in conflict, such as conflict-related sexual violence and forced displacement. These themes were later incorporated in the United...

  • Grey literature on justice

    It is essential that there is gender equality in the justice field. Access to justice is a fundamental human right and an integral aspect of the rule of law.

  • Principle 5: Considering children’s experiences of intimate partner violence

    Expected result: Police officers cooperate with specialised services equipped to identify and assess the risks to children to ensure their protection. Key elements for considering children’s experiences in risk assessment processes In considering children’s experiences in risk assessment processes, police leadership should ensure the following. Police responsible for conducting risk assessment receive regular and systematic training to develop a sound...

  • Principle 4: Adopting an intersectional approach

    Expected result: Police officers trained in intersectional approach will have a better understanding of how to develop tailor-made risk management strategies in a non-discriminatory manner, in compliance with Article 4 on fundamental rights, equality and non-discrimination of the Istanbul Convention. Key elements for applying an intersectional approach to risk assessment In applying an intersectional approach to risk assessment, police leadership...

  • Principle 3: Taking a gender-specific approach

    Expected result: Gender-competent police officers understand the gender dynamics of violence against women and are capable of predicting lethality. Key elements for developing gender competent risk assessment by police In developing a gender-specific approach to risk assessment, police leadership should ensure the following. Risk assessment procedures and practices are based on an understanding of how gender relations and women’s inequality...

  • Principle 2: Adopting a victim-centred approach

    Expected result: Trained police officers are capable of developing more accurate estimates of danger and more targeted, tailor-made and efficient interventions, responding to the needs of the victim in a respectful, professional and gender-sensitive manner. Key elements for adopting a victim-centred approach to risk assessment In adopting a victim-centred approach to risk assessment, police leadership should ensure the following Risk...

  • Principle 1: Prioritising victim safety

    Expected result: Police officers are able to conduct risk assessment in a way that protects women’s privacy, guarantees confidentiality and provides protection from secondary or repeated victimisation. For the best effect, this should be done in collaboration with other relevant agencies. Key elements for applying the principle of victim safety in risk assessment In applying the principle of victim safety...

  • Step 7: Monitor and evaluate risk assessment practices and outcomes

    To support the quality assurance of risk assessment processes and to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement, the police should do the following. Improve the collection of police data on intimate partner violence (106) to allow for the identification of repeat victims and perpetrators, monitor trends and track the progression of cases across the system. Ensure that police risk...