Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform

IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 1 D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Public version of Deliverable D3.4 “Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform” IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 2 About this document Published on the IMPROVE project website in September 2025 Contributors González Cabezas, Sandra1; Vogt, Catharina3, Köpsel, Natalie 3; Hera, Gabor4; Morgado, Sónia5; Felgueiras, Sérgio5, Peggy, Rogers6, Haudegond, Magali6, Sola Zurriaga, Susana7; Gramuntell Magraner; Mireia7; Bonet Ribera, Eduardo7; Mela, Marianne8; Houtsonen, Jarmo8; May, Angelika9; Hellbernd, Hildegard9; Parekh, Seija10; Nipuli, Suvi10; Romero, Gutierrez, Lorea11; Izaguirre Choperena, Ainhoa11; Tananau Blumenschein, Emanuel12; Hopf, Stefan12, Pfleiderer, Bettina13; Juszczyk, Paulina13; Giljohann, Stefanie13 , Cailliau, Cathrin14 No. Acronym Institution Country 1 ASKABI Asociación Askabide Liberación Spain 3 DHPol Deutsche Hochschule der Polizei Germany 4 FORESEE Foresee Kutatocsoport Nonprofit Kozhasznu Kft Hungary 5 MAI-PSP Ministério da Administração Interna (PSP/ISCPSI) Portugal 6 MININT Ministry of the Interior France 7 PLV Policia Valencia Spain 8 POLAMK Poliisiammattikorkeakoulu Finland 9 SIG S.I.G.N.A.L. e.V. – Intervention im Gesundheitsbereich gegen Häusliche und Sexualisierte Gewalt Germany 10 THL Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos Finland 11 UDEUSTO Universidad De La Iglesia De Deusto Entidad Religiosa Spain 12 VICESSE Vienna Centre For Societal Security – Vicesse, Wiener Zentrum für Sozialwissenschaftliche Sicherheitsforschung Austria 13 WWU (Westfälische Wilhelms-) Universität Münster Germany 14 YOR Germany Funded by the European Union. 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No additional restrictions - You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits. Notices: You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation. No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material. IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 3 Contents 1. Executive summary ......................................................................................................................... 4 2. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5 3. Content of the IMPROVE pedagogic handbook.............................................................................. 5 3.1 Preparatory phase ..................................................................................................................... 5 3.1.1 Framework of the handbook ........................................................................................... 5 3.1.2 New structure of the repository of training materials ....................................................... 7 4. Drafting content of the handbook .................................................................................................... 8 4.1 General process ........................................................................................................................ 8 4.1.1 Specific content ............................................................................................................... 8 4.1.2 Distribution of the English pedagogic handbook ............................................................. 9 5. National adaption of the handbook ................................................................................................. 9 5.1 Translation of the handbook ...................................................................................................... 9 6. Distribution of the handbook ......................................................................................................... 10 7. Challenges .................................................................................................................................... 14 8. Outlook .......................................................................................................................................... 15 9. Annexes ........................................................................................................................................ 16 Annex 9.1: Distribution template for partners ................................................................................ 16 Annex 9.2: How to create a safe environment for trainings ........................................................... 18 Abbreviations and acronyms AI Artificial Intelligence D Deliverable DV Domestic Violence FLR Frontline Responder T Task WP Work Package IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 4 1. Executive summary Domestic violence (DV) continues to pose a serious challenge across Europe despite advances in legislation and support systems. Frontline responders (FLRs) from the police, health, justice, and social sectors often lack the specialised skills and confidence required to identify DV, respond effectively, and provide victims with appropriate support. The Horizon Europe project IMPROVE – Improving Access to Services for Victims of Domestic Violence by Accelerating Change in Frontline Responder Organisations addresses these challenges by developing innovative training approaches and practical tools. Deliverable 3.4 presents the Condensed Pedagogical E-Handbook for Domestic Violence Trainers, which complements the IMPROVE training platform. The handbook is intended primarily for experienced trainers and provides structured guidance on how to design, deliver, and evaluate DV training in a cross-sectoral context. It places particular emphasis on methodological approaches, including the use of role plays, creation of safe learning environments, and the application of soft skills such as active listening, intercultural competence, and trauma sensitivity. To support consistency and quality, the handbook also offers adaptable tools such as preparation checklists, role-play scenarios, and evaluation templates (pretraining, post-training, and retention surveys). The handbook was developed through a collaborative drafting and review process led by WWU with contributions from consortium partners. Feedback from pilot training sessions (Task 3.4) directly informed its content and structure. To ensure accessibility and cultural relevance, the English version was translated and nationally adapted into German, Finnish, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Hungarian, with a further Austrian adaptation. These national versions were finalised through a combination of AI-assisted translation and human expert review by the project partners. Dissemination is being carried out through diverse channels defined by each partner, including integration into academic curricula, professional training programmes, intranet systems of police organisations, sector-specific conferences, newsletters, and professional networks. This multi-level strategy maximises outreach across the police, health, social, and justice sectors. Overall, Deliverable 3.4 makes a substantial contribution to building the capacity of FLRs by equipping trainers with practical, adaptable, and high-quality tools. It strengthens the sustainability and usability of the IMPROVE training platform, thereby supporting the overarching project objective of improving access to services and protection for DV victims across Europe. IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 5 2. Introduction This Deliverable (D) 3.4 presents the development of the Pedagogical Handbook for Domestic Violence Trainers – Training First-Line Professionals in the Police, Justice, Medical and Social Sectors. The handbook builds on the results of Work Package 1 (WP1) (D1.1, D1.2, D1.3, D1.4), Task 3.1, Task 3.2 (D3.1) Task 3.3 (D3.2) and Task 3.4 (D3.3) (Figure 1).), which introduced innovative teaching methods, assessed the transferability of research findings, developed training formats and materials, and piloted training sessions across national contexts. These activities provided the evidence base and practical insights required to draft the handbook in Task 3.5. Figure 1. Overview of the tasks of WP3. Tasks 3.1-3.4 formed the base of the pedagogic handbook drafted in T3.5. The handbook is designed as a practical guide for trainers using the IMPROVE training platform. Its emphasis lies on how to train rather than what to train, supporting effective course design, delivery, and evaluation. It includes methodological approaches, role-play guidance, evaluation tools, and recommendations for creating a safe and respectful training environment. While primarily intended for experienced trainers, it also incorporates introductory “train-the-trainer” elements for those newer to DV education. The drafting process was led by WWU and involved iterative partner review and integration of feedback from pilot training sessions. To ensure accessibility and cultural relevance, the English version was translated and nationally adapted into German, Finnish, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Hungarian, with a further Austrian adaptation. This process strengthens both the usability and sustainability of the IMPROVE training platform, ensuring that high-quality DV training materials are available across different professional sectors and European contexts. 3. Content of the IMPROVE pedagogic handbook 3.1 Preparatory phase 3.1.1 Framework of the handbook According to the IMPROVE task descriptions (Appendix 9.1), the outcome of T3.5 is a condensed Ehandbook of up to 80 pages, to be translated into additional languages with consideration of the national contexts. The goals of the handbook, its target group and the content to be covered were discussed and agreed upon at three consortium meetings: in Budapest in October 2024, in Grenoble in April 2025, and in Valencia in June 2025. IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 6 The following decisions were made: ⮚ The handbook should explain in a condensed form across not more than seven to eight chapters how the information, training materials and tools provided by the IMPROVE training platform on domestic violence can be used by trainers. ⮚ The handbook targets experienced DV trainers. ⮚ The goal is to illustrate how trainers can design effective DV trainings by using the materials of the IMPROVE training platform. ⮚ Although this handbook is written for experienced trainers it was decided that a brief 'trainthe-trainers' section should be added for less experienced trainers. This provides context for the more specific guidance that follows on addressing key factors in DV training. ⮚ The focus should be more on explaining 'how to train' than on 'what to train' – in short to provide a practical guideand introduce the training materials, the didactic methods used, and the evaluation methods. ⮚ Finally, an Annex should be included containing documents and evaluations that trainers can use and adapt as required. Most of these documents are available to download and amend on our training platform. The content of the handbook is as follows: 1. Introduction 1.1 Background 1.2 What can you find in the handbook? 2. Training Framework 2.1 General overview on the IMPROVE Training Platform 2.1.1 In a nutshell: general brief input for trainers (Train-the-Trainer) 2.2 Role of trainers 2.3 Target groups 2.4 Specific objectives of domestic violence training 2.5 Duration of training 3. Structure of the training platform 3.1 General overview 3.2 Targeting specific skills, capacities, competencies 4. Methodological approaches 4.1 Domestic violence as a teaching topic 4.2 Training requirements 4.3 Training formats and methods 4.4 Training materials and didactic tools 4.5 Role plays 4.5.1 General guidelines 4.5.2 Example scenarios 5. Evaluation of the training IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 7 6. Other training handbooks 7. Appendices Appendix 7.1 How to create a safe environment for trainings Appendix 7.2 Advantages, applications and requirements of various training methods Appendix 7.3 Generic example of a role play on intersectoral collaboration Appendix 7.4 Evaluations of the training Appendix 7.4.1 Pre-Training Questionnaire Appendix 7.4.2 Post-Evaluation of the training Appendix 7.4.3 Survey on retention of learning content (optional) Appendix 7.5 Domestic Violence Training Preparation Checklist 3.1.2 New structure of the repository of training materials On the IMPROVE training platform, the training materials are organised with a consistent structure. Each module includes a variety of materials, such as training videos, factsheets, knowledge assessments, role plays, case studies, comics, supplementary readings, and additional resources for trainers. In preparation for the new handbook, we completely restructured the DV training repository and its associated materials to meet the required needs (Table 1). Table 1: The repository of training and training materials is organised by sector. Sector Link to repository Sections of the repository stratified by sector Police Repository of training materials for the police I. The IMPROVE ‘Pedagogical Handbook for Domestic Violence Trainers’ II. Additional IMPROVE training material II.1 Checklist for frontline responders in cases of domestic violence The Checklist for frontline responders provides a comprehensive overview of important aspects frontline responde rs should keep in mind: from the time of arrival at the scene until the follow-ups. The instructions assist making most efficient use of this checklist. II.2 Collection of training concepts, slides and additional material for trainers III. The link below will guide you to general suggestions for different training formats when you use the IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 8 Improve training platform as a source when preparing trainings. Collection of training concepts, slides and additional material for trainers IV. The EUproject TACTICS provides a useful trainer manual. V. Women’s Aid provides a recommendable handbook for people in the social environment of victims of violence who want to support them. Health sector Repository of training materials for the health sector I. ICC VIPROM Handbook: Intercultural Competence for Domestic Violence Trainers II. The VIPRPOM ‘Train-the-Trainer handbook’ III. The IMPROVE ‘Pedagogical Handbook for Domestic Violence Trainers’ IV. Additional IMPROVE training material V. Repository of trainings materials specific to the medical sector VI. Women’s Aid provides a recommendable handbook for people in the social environment of victims of violence who want to support them. Social sector Repository of training materials for the social sector VII. The IMPROVE ‘Pedagogical Handbook for Domestic Violence Trainers’ VIII. Additional IMPROVE training material IX. Women’s Aid provides a recommendable handbook for people in the social environment of victims of violence who want to support them. Legal sector Repository of training materials for the legal sector I. The IMPROVE ‘Pedagogical Handbook for Domestic Violence Trainers’ II. Additional IMPROVE training material III. Women’s Aid provides a recommendable handbook for people in the social environment of victims of violence who want to support them. 4. Drafting content of the handbook 4.1 General process The WWU team drafted the content of each chapter in English and sent it to the partners for review. The partners provided valuable feedback, suggested additional content and made further amendments. After that, the handbook received a professional layout and the Appendices containing downloadable documents were written (see 3.1.1). 4.1.1 Specific content Based on feedback from trainers who participated in our pilot training sessions (D3.3), one focus was placed on how to conduct role plays, what factors to consider, and how to create a safe atmosphere during training sessions (Appendix 7.1 of the handbook, and Appendix 9.2 of this deliverable). IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 9 Trainers often showed limited experience of using role plays, and especially this potentially very dynamic didactic method requires thorough preparation, close guidance, and reflection, particularly in such a sensitive context as domestic violence. We also provided a generic intersectoral role play that could be adapted to suit individual needs. The feedback from prior trainings further revealed that trainers also wanted to gain more insight into the advantages, disadvantages and requirements of certain training formats. Thus, this information has also been added. We also added suggestions on how to evaluate trainings, as a systematic and methodologically thorough evaluation is of major importance in order to optimise trainings and ensure high quality. Therefore, we included an example for a pre training survey, a post-training survey and a six-month retention survey. The latter can provide insight into the extent to which knowledge and competencies have been retained from previous training sessions. However, the use of this is optional, as it may be difficult to reach participants and lead to a low participation rate. The surveys are the same for all sectors. 4.1.2 Distribution of the English pedagogic handbook The English handbook is the same across all sectors and can be downloaded from the training platform's repository: ⮚ Police ⮚ Medical sector ⮚ Social sector ⮚ Legal sector 5. National adaption of the handbook 5.1 Translation of the handbook The translation of this handbook in the partner languages is a vital part of ensuring high quality DV trainings using our training materials from the training platform. Therefore, partners put a lot of effort in local adaptions of the content. Translating and adapting the materials into the local languages and national contexts in the consortium countries (Austria, Germany, Hungary, Finland, France, Portugal, Spain) ensures that the content can be used and understood, while remaining culturally responsive. This important standard has been set at such a high level across the entire consortium that, although the grant agreement did not require all partners to translate and adapt the handbook, the Portuguese and Austrian partners decided to provide national versions after seeing the English version. This increases the usability and sustainability of the training platform, which is also available in these languages. PRO Deepl (an AI) translated the finalised English version of the handbook, which was then sent to the partners for polishing the translation and adapting it to the national context. The translated handbooks were reviewed and finalised by WWU before being uploaded to the IMPROVE repository of national language training materials to facilitate dissemination. The translations and national adaptation processes were completed as part of this deliverable on 15 September. IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 16 9. Annexes Annex 9.1: Distribution template for partners IMPROVE T3.5 – Distribution of pedagogic training handbook Date: 22 August 2025 Contents 1. Description of Work Task 3.5: Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform; (M24-36) Lead: WWU; Contributors: DHPOL, POLAMK, MININT, PSP, FORESEE, UDEUSTO, PLV, SIG, ASKABI, YOR A condensed E-handbook with a maximum of 80 pages will be produced in Hungarian, English, Spanish, German, Finnish and French, each. Each national handbook will be tailored to the country specific needs. Not every content available in T3.3 will therefore be translated and used in national adaption of the handbook for FLR practitioners. This effort will be led by WWU resulting in D3.4 (E-Handbook) and the corresponding M3.2 (Distribution of E-Handbook). Means of verification: Condensed national adapted versions (Hungarian, Spanish, German, Finnish and French) of the handbook generated and distributed to FLR practitioners. 2. Objectives The purpose of this template is to list your planned activities to distribute the pedagogic training handbook (M3.2) in your country. Partners should please return the completed template to the task leader WWU by 15 September 2025. Work Package Leader (WP3): WWU Task Leader (T3.3): WWU Contributors: DHPOL, POLAMK, MININT, PSP, FORESEE, UDEUSTO, PLV, SIG, ASKABI, YOR Period: Month 24 – 36 Deadline for sending the completed Review Template back to WWU: 15 September 2025 E-Mail: [email protected] (CC) 3. Dissemination Template 3.1 List of planned distribution activities for the pedagogic E-handbook List of planned distribution activities for the IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 17 pedagogic E-handbook stratified by stakeholder group (Police, medical, social and justice sectors) IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 18 Annex 9.2: How to create a safe environment for trainings How to create a safe environment for trainings? These guidelines have been taken from the IMPROVE Training handbook, Appendix 7.1. These following group rules are designed to create a safe, respectful and effective learning environment when addressing the highly sensitive topic of domestic violence. Trainers can select the one that appear most relevant for their specific training context and adapt them to the specific group or make it a group decision to vote, which rules are the most important ones the group wishes to commit to. ⮚ Confidentiality is essential and non-negotiable. What is shared in the group stays in the group. This is crucial to ensure trust and openness. ⮚ Listen actively and acknowledging the perspectives of others. Pay attention without interrupting, use non-verbal cues to show understanding, and reflect back what you have heard when appropriate. ⮚ Respect diverse perspectives and experiences. Acknowledge that each participant may come from a different background and have different views shaped by their experiences. ⮚ Be mindful of triggers. The content you will be sharing may be emotionally challenging on others. If you expect this to be the case, summarize briefly first what you are about to share to allow others to decide whether the content needs and should be shared. Self-care in cases of domestic violence is very importance. The self-learning Module 9 on the training platform provides you with information on that (police, health, social and legal sectors) ⮚ Avoid judgmental language. Use neutral and respectful words when talking about sensitive topics, even when you disagree. ⮚ Avoid generalization. Use “I” statements – speak from your personal experience rather than making generalisations about others. ⮚ Allow everyone the space to speak. Give each person the opportunity to share their thoughts, and avoid dominating the conversation. ⮚ Maintain a professional focus. Keep discussions relevant to the training content. ⮚ Respect time limits during discussions. IMPROVE D3.4 Condensed E-handbook pilot of the training platform Grant Agreement No. 101074010 Page 19 Stay within the allocated time so that everyone has a chance to contribute. ⮚ Support a collaborative and respectful atmosphere. Encourage each other, share resources, and approach discussions with a spirit of teamwork. ⮚ Be mindful of the potential emotional impact the topics may have on you personally. Pauses are allowed. If you need to step out for a moment, feel free to do so quietly and return when ready. ⮚ Signal when a break is needed. Signal when a pause supports your learning process. ⮚ Commit to punctuality. Return from breaks on time to support the group’s rhythm. ⮚ Use mobile devices only when relevant to the training. Keep phones on silent and ideally out of your focus area completely.