We are pleased to announce that the Protasis Training Manual is currently in press and will be released in September!
The Manual constitutes the final output of the project and is the result of a compilation of knowledge and research acquired from previous EU funded projects, interdisciplinary research and theories, the authors’ academic and research expertise and their practical experience with the targeted population – victims of crimes with special needs – as well as the exchange of good practices acquired during a 2-day work visit in London.
The training program and material was piloted to more than 200 police officers in Italy, Portugal, and Greece, who followed 20 hours of training seminars and workshops. After the completion of the pilot trainings, a training evaluation and impact assessment was conducted by the IARS International Institute, an independent to the training delivery partner. The findings and conclusions assisted in the further enhancement of the training program and material.
This Manual aspires to serve as a practical tool towards a victim-centered approach in the training of police officers, criminal justice professionals, and first-instance authorities by adopting a holistic perspective which combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It consists of six modules developed in a sequence that links each issue to the next, progressively building the knowledge and capacity of the participants through a smooth transition from one topic to the next, from general knowledge to specific skills.
Drawing on interdisciplinary research and theories, Modules 1, 2, and 3 of the manual introduce participants to the basic theoretical knowledge regarding the European framework for the protection and support of victims of crime and focus on the problems and needs of vulnerable victims, such as victims of gender-based violence and child victims. The sensitization of participants in such issues is expected in return to further enhance their capacities in treating and effectively supporting vulnerable victims.
The next modules 4 and 5 invite participants to put in practice the acquired knowledge. Module 4 focuses on basic communication and interaction skills that will allow the participants to effectively communicate with and support victims with respect and sensitivity, preventing secondary victimization. Module 5 provides the participants with practical instruments and skills for conducting the individual assessment of victims’ needs. Finally, Module 6 aims to enhance the capacity of the participants in effectively signposting victims to appropriate support services, while also promoting cross-sector networking and cooperation towards the development of referral pathways.
