The Integrated System of Domestic Violence Prevention

Description

The main objective of the project is to improve the system for prevention of domestic and gender-based violence. The planned activities shall be in compliance with the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), with a focus on Article 7 of the Convention. The project shall aim at prioritizing victims’ rights and needs.

The project focuses on two Ps: Prevention and Integrated Policies. The main goal of the project is to find a solution which helps to identify risk of domestic and gender based violence before it happens.

The crucial task of the project is to develop a system model of integrated services to prevent domestic violence, which could be implemented after a trial phase in the selected municipalities. The project is planned to be 44 months long and the main activities consist of: the evaluation of existing solutions and possibilities to create a model for the prevention of domestic violence and the  development of the model of integrated system of preventing domestic violence. The evaluation is about reviewing the existing solutions in individual countries. It will be based both on the analysis of existing data (scientific literature, knowledge bases, databases of ministries) and those obtained during the project (interviews, observations, surveys - if necessary). The evaluation will be followed by developing a model of preventing violence, including a supporting tool in assessing the probability (likeliness) of domestic violence.

The developed model will be tested in five different local communities within projects under the Small Grant Scheme.

Once testing the model is completed, the actions undertaken in a test phase will be assessed regarding their effectiveness from the perspective of the system and users (families). After that the conclusions and recommendations will be formulated and the final model will be designed and disseminated.

Summary of project results

The Integrated System of Domestic Violence Prevention project aimed to tackle key problems related to preventing domestic violence at the local level.

One major issue was the lack of coordination between organizations working to prevent domestic violence. Most existing efforts focused on either responding to reported cases or general awareness programs, like those in schools. However, there was little support for people experiencing relationship difficulties who might be at risk of domestic violence.

Another challenge was the limited availability of relationship support. While some counseling services existed, they mostly helped with parenting issues rather than strengthening relationships between partners. Additionally, there was no effective tool to identify people at higher risk of experiencing domestic violence due to unhealthy relationships.

The project also found that local institutions were not working together effectively. In many cases, support teams were only formed after violence had already occurred, rather than focusing on prevention. This led to gaps in the system and made it harder for people to get the help they needed early on.

To solve these problems, the project developed and tested a new community-based model to prevent domestic violence. This included setting up Family Centers, which provided relationship support, new tools to identify risks, and better cooperation between local services. By improving early intervention, the project aimed to reduce domestic violence and create stronger, healthier relationships.

The Integrated System of Domestic Violence Prevention project aimed to reduce domestic violence by strengthening relationships and improving support systems.

1. The project analyzed and assessed existing domestic violence prevention programs and relationship support services in Poland and Norway to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
2. A new tool called the Relational Assessment Risk Scale was developed to help professionals identify people at risk of domestic violence due to unhealthy relationships.
3. A guidebook was created to help local communities set up support systems for families facing relationship difficulties.
4. Several municipalities were prepared to test the new model, ensuring they had the necessary resources and trained staff.
5. The project tested and improved the model in selected communities, collecting feedback from professionals and families to refine its approach.
6. A final version of the model was developed based on evaluations and improvements.
7. The project’s findings and tools were shared with decision-makers, professionals, and researchers in Poland and abroad to encourage the adoption of this approach in other regions.

By analyzing existing solutions, developing practical tools, training professionals, and promoting cooperation between institutions, the project helped create a stronger system for preventing domestic violence. Its long-term goal was to make support services more effective and accessible, ensuring safer and healthier relationships for families

The Integrated System of Domestic Violence Prevention project made a real difference by improving how communities support families and prevent domestic violence.

One of the biggest achievements was the creation of a new model that helps local governments and organizations work together to prevent violence before it happens. This model was successfully tested in several municipalities, proving that early support and relationship-building can reduce the risk of domestic violence. A key outcome was the Relational Assessment Risk Scale, a tool that helps professionals—such as social workers, psychologists, and educators—identify people at risk and offer them support sooner.

For families and couples, the project provided counseling, workshops, and guidance through newly established Family Centers. These centers gave people a safe space to work on their relationships, improve communication, and resolve conflicts in healthy ways. In the long run, the project benefits communities as a whole by creating a more coordinated system of support, reducing cases of domestic violence, and promoting healthier relationships. Decision-makers and policymakers also gained valuable insights and resources, making it easier for them to implement similar programs in other areas.

By strengthening relationships and improving early intervention, the project helped make families and communities safer, more supportive, and more resilient​

Summary of bilateral results

The University of Stavanger implemented activities in each phase of the project. A number of meetings of the Polish and Norwegian research group (both in Poland and Norway) were scheduled throughout the project. The Norwegian research group conducted a review of literature and documents on the subject of domestic violence available in Norway, conducted research on institutions dealing with the prevention of violence and assistance to people affected by it in Norway, and conducted a survey on accessibility to the domestic violence prevention system in Norway. They also took part in the preparation of a publication on the enrichment of relationships within the family and the development of tools for evaluating the domestic violence prevention model. In the final 4 phase of the project, Norwegian researchers participated in conferences to disseminate information about the developed and tested model.