The IRENE project seeks to promote peace between European families and protect their vulnerable members from violence and abuse. Domestic violence witnessed by children can lead to negative effects such as anxiety, depression and aggressive behaviors. Through the project, we aim to support families to address these problems and help children recognize positive relationships and behaviors. Additionally, elder abuse has increased, with a significant percentage perpetrated by family members. Parents and grandparents have a crucial role in educating about healthy relationships and addressing abuse. The IRENE project seeks to develop relevant educational materials to support parents and foster a family learning model that involves three generations, seeking to positively impact the prevention of domestic violence and abuse. With targeted educational interventions addressed at a family level, and with effective referrals to the available social services in each EU Member State, the concrete objective of the IRENE project is to support families to take action to prevent and eradicate domestic violence within the family unit, across Europe.
The IRENE project responds to the domestic violence crisis in Europe, which requires immediate attention. In the EU, 25% of violent crimes involve men attacking their partners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns led to an alarming increase in domestic violence. IRENE seeks to prevent this violence at its root, recognizing the need to not only help direct victims, but also witnesses, especially children exposed to this environment. The project proposes an innovative family learning model to support the prevention of domestic violence and establish safe homes. Its objective is to promote peaceful coexistence and, once completed, transfer its results to benefit more communities in the future.