A 3-day training seminar on domestic violence against women and particularly migrant women

A significant event was organized by the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis. In the framework of the European program "Sunia Geel, to prevent and combat violence against children, young people & women and to protect victims and groups at risk”, in which Prolepsis is a partner, a 3-day training seminar on domestic violence against women and particularly migrant women was held, on June 8, 9 and 10, 2012, at Prolepsis Institute.

Social workers, psychologists and experts in the field attended the seminar, which was considered very productive and successful. During the three days of the seminar, experienced and specially trained scientific staff offered valuable knowledge to the participants.

The seminar began with an introduction to domestic violence, during which research data related to the phenomenon and the legislative framework in Greece were presented. Thereafter, issues related to immigration in Greece were discussed, such as the cultural characteristics of migrants in Greece and the challenges faced by migrant victims of domestic violence. The role of personnel in providing support services to migrant victims of domestic violence, with particular emphasis to their cultural competence, was also mentioned. A major part of the seminar was dedicated to experiential activities. During this experiential part the following topics were analyzed: the importance of effective communication when working with victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, abuse, trauma and the need for “setting boundaries”, the cycle of violence, the rotation of roles “Victim-Abuser-Rescuer”, the importance of experts’ awareness of the specific roles and, finally, the cultural dimensions of the phenomenon, such as stereotypes, prejudice, social stigma, different cultures, and their importance when dealing with vulnerable groups.

 

 

Relative links

For more information about the European program DAPHNE III – Sunia Geel, please visit the project’s website: www.suniageel.eu or Prolepsis website: www.prolepsis.gr/new/en/Projects/34/Sunia-Geel.html.