A free online course on violence against women and domestic violence targeting law enforcement has been developed in the framework of the Council of Europe Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) Programme.

Law enforcement plays a central role in addressing violence against women and domestic violence and in preventing its re-occurrence. Responses need to be efficient and tailored, within the legal framework, to the needs of victims and the risk of perpetrators.

In responding to violence against women and domestic violence, it is essential that law enforcement professionals are familiar with the human rights dimension of countering violence against women and are trained on an effective victim-centred response to victims and how to interact with perpetrators.

Through three substantive new modules, law enforcement professionals can learn theoretical and practical concepts related to violence against women, its many forms and impact on victims and society at large. Participants will also learn guidelines as to how to respond to cases of violence against women and domestic violence quickly and effectively, techniques to interview victims and perpetrators as well as practical steps by first responders, investigators, etc. The course also includes a specific module on assessing and managing the risks for victims of domestic violence, honour-based violence, and stalking.

Module 1 Understanding violence against women and domestic violence

• Key concepts and definitions
• Violence against women and its different forms
• What is domestic violence
• Impact on victims
• Consequences for society: costs of VAW and DV

Module 2 Effective law enforcement responses in addressing violence against women and domestic violence

• Principles of law enforcement response
• Confronting stereotypes and professional bias
• First contact with victims
• At the scene of the incident/crime
• At the police station
• Investigation, evidence and reporting to prosecutor

Module 3 Assessing the risk of violence against women and domestic violence

• Risk assessment
• Risk management
• Police co-operation
• Case study

Access to the HELP online platform