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New European Master’s Programme on Perpetrator Intervention Launched

The European Network for the Work with Perpetrators of Domestic Violence (WWP EN), in collaboration with Blanquerna – Universitat Ramon Llull (Barcelona), has launched a pioneering new programme:
Lifelong Learning Master’s Degree in Intervention Strategies with Perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence: Social, Clinical, and Legal Perspectives
This initiative represents the first international lifelong learning Master’s programme specifically focused on perpetrator intervention, offering a unique opportunity for professionals working to address and prevent gender-based violence across Europe and beyond.

A unique opportunity for professionals in probation and related sectors

Professionals working in probation, prison, and community-based settings play a key role in addressing perpetrator behaviour and reducing reoffending. However, access to specialised, structured, and evidence-based training in this field remains limited.
This Master’s programme has been designed to respond to this gap, offering a comprehensive and practice-oriented learning experience tailored to the needs of professionals working directly with perpetrators of gender-based violence.

Combining academic excellence with practical expertise

The programme brings together renowned professors and expert practitioners from across Europe, combining academic knowledge with hands-on, practice-oriented training.
Key features include:

  • A strong focus on evidence-based approaches to perpetrator intervention.
  • Integration of social, clinical, and legal perspectives.
  • Teaching delivered by leading experts with extensive experience in the field.
  • A curriculum designed to support real-world application and behavioural change work.

Flexible format for working professionals

  • The Master is designed to be accessible to professionals across different countries and sectors.
  • Delivered primarily online, allowing participation alongside full-time work
  • Includes an optional intensive one-week training in Barcelona, focused on practical skills development
  • Structured to support continuous professional development

Who is it for?

The programme is particularly relevant for:

  • professionals working in probation, prison, and community-based perpetrator programmes,
  • practitioners in the social, justice, and health sectors,
  • and graduates in fields such as psychology, law, criminology, social work, and social education seeking to specialise in perpetrator intervention.

A step forward in strengthening responses to gender-based violence

By strengthening professional competencies and promoting high-quality, evidence-based interventions, this Master’s programme aims to contribute to:

  • improved programme effectiveness,
  • enhanced victim safety,
  • and more consistent standards in perpetrator work across Europe.

Applications now open

The pre-enrolment period is now open, with limited places available. The programme is scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Professionals and organisations are encouraged to share this opportunity within their networks, particularly among those working in probation and related fields.

Further information

Full details about the programme can be found here:
https://www.work-with-perpetrators.eu/europeanmasters 

https://www.blanquerna.edu/en/node/13746

For any questions, interested applicants can contact the programme coordinators:
Dr. Berta VallBerta.vc@work-with-perpetrators.eu
Dr. Alessandra Paunczalessandra.pauncz@work-with-perpetrators.eu
Sandra Jovanovics.jovanovic@work-with-perpetrators.eu

This new Master’s programme represents an important step in building stronger, more effective and coordinated responses to gender-based violence across Europe.

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