Good solutions to handle the consequences of COVID-19 on victims of domestic violence - transforming social and legal systems in response to the crisis

• In Event: Crime and Covid-19 WG: Impact of COVID-19 on Crime and Criminal Justice Across Europe

Abstract

The paper presents the findings of an international research project, IMPROVE (https://www.improve-horizon.eu/) that examined the consequences of COVID-19 in the context of social and legal systems that addressed exceptional conditions of the pandemic and its consequences on victims of domestic violence. The analysis covers experiences from six EU countries: Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary and Spain. The presentation reveals good solutions introduced during the pandemic (including curfews) in the six countries. Innovations that aimed at lessening the impact of the pandemic on reporting, detection, and service delivery concerning domestic violence. Good practices cover protocols, procedures, and tools, including digital solutions - to address changing working conditions -, as well as cooperation initiatives and alternatives that enhance the resilience of the frontline responders to domestic violence. Research experience is based on qualitative fieldwork: the research team conducted 110 interviews in six countries, which covered representatives of the police, criminal justice system, social sector, and health sector, as well as desk research. IMPROVE (“Improving Access to Services for Victims of Domestic Violence by Accelerating Change in Frontline Responder Organisations”) is an ongoing project, started in October 2022, funded by the HORIZON Innovation Actions Grant of the European Union.

Author

• Dora Judit Szego, researcher