All EU Member States have criminalised some forms of violence against womenand, together with the EU institutions, have worked to strengthen legal frameworks and better determine the scale of the phenomenon. At EU level, gender-based violence is a policy priority, as reflected in the strategy for equality between women and men (2010-2015) and in the follow-up strategic engagement for gender...
More than one woman was killed every day by an intimate partner or family member in the EU on average in 2016 [1]. To help police prevent repeated acts of intimate partner violence and save lives, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) has developed a risk assessment guide for police. “With proper training, and allocation of resources where they...
Police officers play a leading role in reducing violence against women by an intimate partner. They are often the first authority victims turn to for protection, especially in countries where police are trusted. Risk assessment and risk management strategies are two vital steps that ensure the immediate safety of victims and prevent further violence. EIGE’s guidelines and recommendations offer a...
The police play a leading role in reducing violence against women by an intimate partner. When women experience violence, they usually turn to the police before any other authority for protection. Risk assessment and risk management are two vital steps that police officers can take to ensure the immediate and ongoing safety and well-being of those affected by intimate partner...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Information management and confidentiality should be based on agreements (formal protocols or any other form that is considered appropriate at national/local level) developed for the timely and appropriate sharing of information between the police and other agencies. These should: be drafted in close consultation with the national data protection authorities (105) to ensure compliance with the GDPR and national legislation...
The police should take an active role in establishing a strong multiagency framework for effectively responding to intimate partner violence. Elements to consider when establishing such a framework include the following: identifying all relevant actors that should be involved in addition to the police — specialist victim services, social services, child protection, health services, housing, prosecutors, probation officers, and other...
