Previous Article
News
Out now paper on Virtual Reality for rehabilitation of intimate partner violence perpetrators
Virtual Realityirtual reality (VR) allows the user to be immersed in environments in which they can experience situations and social interactions from different perspectives by means of virtual embodiment. In the context of rehabilitation of violent behaviors, a participant could experience a virtual violent confrontation from different perspectives, including that of the victim and bystanders. This approach and other virtual scenes can be used as a useful tool for the rehabilitation of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators, through improvement of their empathic skills or for training in non-violent responses. In this perspective, we revise and discuss the use of this tool in a prison environment for the rehabilitation of IPV perpetrators with a particular focus on practical aspects based on our experience.
This paper is written by Nicolas Barnes, Maria V. Sanchez-Vives and Tania Johnston.
Focus of the paper
In this article, they draw on their experience investigating the use of immersive VR in different prisons and rehabilitation settings, to highlight the usability of such a tool for managing risk factors in intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators, and to consider how to best integrate immersive VR sessions into their traditional treatment programs. They mainly focus on practical considerations, directly derived from their experience, and the opportunities and challenges of importing this powerful tool into prisons. Some of this research has been carried out in the context of the European research project: VR per Genere (Virtual Reality Prevention of Gender Violence in Europe based on Neuroscience of Embodiment, PeRspective, and Empathy; www.vrpergenere.com), which aims to use the advantages of VR for the prevention of IPV and for the rehabilitation of perpetrators through the improvement of classic rehabilitation strategies outlined previously. As will be developed below, our work proposes VR as a promising method for improving empathy and reducing specific risk factors for perpetration in offenders (Seinfeld et al., 2018; Barnes, 2020; Johnston, 2021) and as a means for individualizing treatment to participants’ specific needs in a cost-effective manner, through the presentation of different scenarios. The VR per Genere project also deals with using VR tools for the prevention of gender violent behaviors targeting younger populations.
The current paper will group practical considerations into three themes: (1) considerations related to the individual differences between offenders; (2) considerations related to the factors that may affect the response of the offenders when talking about their VR experience; and (3) considerations related to the prison environment in which immersive VR is applied. This specific segmentation is operational, but these three themes are highly interrelated.
Read the paper (more about this paper)
Want to read more research on Domestic Violence, click here to go to our Knowledgebase
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
Recap
Education and Training
Recap: Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation Launches New Term and Sets Priorities for 2026–2028
24/04/2026
On 21 April 2026, the Education and Training Expert Network in Probation held its second online meeting, bringing together representatives from CEP member organisations and experts involved in the training of probation professionals across Europe. The meeting marked the beginning of a new working cycle for the network, under the leadership of its Chair, Cédric Le Bossé, and provided an important opportunity to collectively reflect on its future direction.
New
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Eva Fernandes
23/04/2026
During the General Assembly in Austria, a new CEP Board got elected for the upcoming three years. In the coming weeks we will publish interviews with all newly-elected board members where they will share information on their professional background, how they would like to contribute, what challenges lie ahead and many more.
Enjoy reading!
New
CEP members, Probation in Europe
CEP Member visit to the Probation Service in Albania
22/04/2026
On 22 April 2026, the Confederation of European Probation carried out a member visit to the Probation Service in Albania, where the delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms Irma Bime, newly appointed Director General for Probation, Mr Eris Sheshi, Director of Electronic Monitoring and Ms Drisilda Memollari, Head of the Probation Office in Tirana.
CEP was represented by Ms Jana Spero Kamenjarin, Secretary General, and Mr Daniel Danglades, Vice President.
Recap
Probation outside Europe
Recap: 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole, day 3 and 4
20/04/2026
Daniel, CEP Vice-President, and Nasir, head of an Indonesian probation and parole office and one of the organisers of the World Congress, reflect on days 3 and 4 of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, Indonesia.
Recap
Probation in Europe
CEP at PC-CP 41st Working Group Meeting
20/04/2026
On 14–16 April 2026, CEP Secretary General Jana Špero Kamenjarin represented CEP at the 41st meeting of the Working Group of the Council for Penological Co-operation (PC-CP) in Strasbourg, France.
New
Probation outside Europe
Honouring Community Volunteers: CEP and Japan Hogoshi Federation sign new Affiliation Agreement
17/04/2026
On the occasion of the International Day for Community Volunteers (17 April), the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) highlights the significance of community engagement in supporting rehabilitation and social reintegration across the world.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.