We are working in the IMPROVE project to understand the needs of domestic violence survivors in different EU countries and break down common barriers for them to seek help. — We’ve learned about many of these barriers from our interviews and working with survivors. Recently we introduced social media series where we showcased some of these obstacles so others could better understand why it is so difficult to speak out and gave examples how other survivors overcame those barriers. Here…

The European Commission has committed to protecting all EU citizens' fundamental rights and freedoms. Yet, domestic violence (DV) and violence in close relationships still persist as serious forms of violence and crime in Europe. The EU regards the Istanbul Convention as the benchmark for international standards in the prevention and fights against DV and gender-based violence against women. EU also contributes to fighting DV by funding projects like IMPROVE through its Horizon programs.

Domestic violence is a persistent problem globally and, due to low reporting, remains a hidden epidemic with tremendous harm to individuals and society. — In addition to the suffering of the victims and people around them, domestic violence affects lost economic output relating to various costs associated with victims' work status and productivity. The cost of gender-based violence only across the EU is €366 billion a year. Violence against women makes up 79%, and…

When it comes to addressing domestic violence, it is important to focus not only on the victims, but also on the perpetrators. By providing support and healing to perpetrators of domestic violence, we can help to break the cycle of abuse and prevent further harm to victims. We know, we…

Domestic violence is a global problem and affects millions of people. It causes several problems not only for the victims of violence but for the whole family. Also, perpetrators suffer, and in order for them to end their violent behaviour, they need help. — Due to the fact that violence at home is not a black-and-white issue, generally, it is very hard to recognize what is considered violence. When it comes to physical violence, it is pretty easy to understand. But, for example, mental violence and economic violence are much harder to distinguish. …

Have you ever thought about why you may like special colors or why one color gives you a specific vibe or energy? Orange has a special place in my heart due to the years I spent in India. Orange equals India for me. The other color which is also touching…

On helppoa sanoa “kyllä”, koska silloin voi kokea tulevansa hyväksytyksi. Vanhemmille, olemalla kiltti lapsi. Tekemällä kaiken, kuten he haluavat. Ystäville, päästäksemme mukaan. Kumppanille, suhteesta kiinnipitämisen turvaamiseksi. Työnantajalle, varmistaaksemme työpaikan jatkuvuuden ja mahdollisen etenemisen. Lapsille, yrittäessämme välttää erimielisyyksiä. “Kyllä” lupauksen hetkellä sanomme myös “Ei” monelle muulle asialle. Omille tarpeillemme ja tunteillemme…

One of the most important things that you need to understand when learning about narcissism and narcissistic abuse is that there are four different narcissistic personalities (grandiose, covert, malignant, and communal) and they all sit on the same continuum. A continuum is a continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are…

I left an unsafe relationship almost 3 years ago. The years before that moment were difficult and traumatic. However, what happened afterwards, is equally important. It deserves to be talked about. — Since then, I have been caught up in the web of social organizations and their processes. Also, the legal processes have taken years to complete. It has been extremely challenging and intimidating. It is normal that social workers and organizations do not believe in domestic abuse victims. …