VR4React aimed to reduce reactive aggression among inmates through innovative VR-based interventions and training to address the key needs: Enhance psychological, social, and emotional well-being by reducing victimization and fostering adaptive behaviors, build capacity and provide specialized training for prison officers to manage reactive aggression effectively, improve trainers’ skills for delivering interventions, reduce risks for prison staff and inmates linked to aggressive behaviors and support rehabilitation and social reintegration of aggressive inmates. The project worked with three target groups: Prison educators and Psycholosist, Reactive Aggressive Inmates, (individuals interpret reality in a distorted way, and fail to regulate their reactions, easily engaging in aggressive behaviours, driven by anger and rage) and Prison Officers, to target Reactive Aggression on two fronts: support inmates to replace reactive aggressive conducts with prosocial and adaptive behaviours; and promote prison officers’ competencies to respond effectively to reactive aggressive behaviours This is achieved through technology-enhanced training programmes, providing an innovative and effective opportunity for learning and training skils.
We are applying for this project because common challenges have been identified across Europe in addressing reactive aggression among inmates. One key pillar to tackle these issues is training, both for prison staff and inmates. The project aims to create and disseminate best practices, educational materials, and strategies that can be replicated at the European level. Reactive aggression has adverse consequences for inmates and staff, who need to feel safe to perform their duties. Misconduct increases the risk of injuries, stress, absenteeism, and staff turnover. Lack of training on this matter is a major concern in prison settings, highlighting the need to develop skills and competencies for officers to manage aggressive situations and support rehabilitation. Well-trained officers can better protect others and facilitate reintegration. Equally important is providing aggressive inmates with a safe, controlled environment to learn and practice skills that replace reactive aggression with prosocial and adaptive behaviors, preventing social exclusion.