Previous Article
News
Recap: CEP workshop on gender-based violence in probation
On 14 December 2022 CEP organized a Workshop on gender-based violence in Probation. The workshop was held at the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialized Training in Barcelona. The workshop aimed to increase awareness of gender-based violence in probation and address gender inequality, especially towards women and girls, focusing on sexual abuse and domestic violence. The workshop covered the topic from the perspective of probation and other criminal justice professionals including offenders and victims.
The workshop was attended by 40 participants from 14 EU jurisdictions that came together to understand the conceptualization and understanding of the phenomenon of gender-based violence, to discuss effective and efficient ways of working with offenders and victims (women and children), which programmes and interventions are used to prevent and work with gender-based violence offenders and support treatment process. A World Café session brought together smaller groups of participants to discuss and share knowledge and experiences from different jurisdictions and thus support mutual learning as one of the core skills necessary for further professional development.
The programme of the workshop was divided into two parts. In the first part of the morning, 4 plenary presentations took place. The first presentation was delivered by Ms. Berta Vall, Research and Development Manager from the European Network for Work with Perpetrators (WWP EN) who gave an overview of domestic violence in Europe. The second presentation was delivered by Ms. Paula Arce Becerra from the Catalan Justice Observatory on gender-based violence from Catalonia, who talked about Gender-based violence against women and girls in the context of the Catalan criminal justice field. Professor Kieran McCartan from the University of the West of England, United Kingdom, shared his knowledge on Understanding and responding to the challenges and opportunities in working with Gender-Based Violence. And last but not least Ms. Ellinor Hallebro, from the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, presented the Swedish perspective and intervention programmes for violence within close relationships.
In the afternoon world café discussions were organized. The group participants were divided into 4 small groups and discussions were on: Risk and needs assessment tools, good practices on intervention programmes (group and/or individual), training for Probation professionals and identification of challenges and needs at a local and international level.
Presentations
- Overview of Domestic violence in Europe – Berta Vall, Research and Development Manager, European Network for Work with Perpetrators (WWP EN)
- Gender-based violence against women and girls in the criminal justice field – Paula Arce Becerra, Catalan Justice Observatory on gender-based violence, Catalonia
- Understanding and responding to the challenges and opportunities in working with Gender Based Violence – Professor Kieran McCartan, the University of the West of England, United Kingdom
- Violence within close relationships, Swedish approach – Ms. Ellinor Hallebro, Swedish Prison and Probation Service, Sweden
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.
New
Communication and Awareness-Raising
Call to take part in the Yellow Ribbon Run in Prague
16/04/2026
As part of its ongoing cooperation and support for the Yellow Ribbon project, CEP is pleased to invite nominations to support two participants wishing to join the Yellow Ribbon Run, taking place on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic.
Recap
Probation outside Europe
Day 2 of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, Indonesia.
16/04/2026
brought further reflection and exchange on the role of probation and community-based approaches in supporting rehabilitation and social inclusion.
CEP President Annie Devos and Vice-President Daniel Danglades continued their daily coverage on Division_Y, sharing key insights from discussions at the Congress.
A central theme highlighted during Day 2 was the importance of focusing on what works in practice, and how effective integration requires active participation in society. As discussed, professional probation practice is not only about systems and structures, but about placing the person at the centre, responding to individual needs, and recognising rehabilitation as a journey within the community.
CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades also reflected on the role of community-based approaches such as the Japanese Hogoshi system, underlining the value of strong volunteer engagement in supporting reintegration.
The World Congress on Community Volunteers, held as part of the World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, was also highlighted during the day, with the session moderated by CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades. This further underlines CEP’s commitment to strengthening the role of community volunteers at an international level.
CEP continues to follow the Congress closely and will provide daily updates throughout the week until 17 April.
👉 Watch the English-language video here: https://youtu.be/VqfSwnvJQuw
👉 A German-language reflection from Day 2 by Laura Schneider (Bewährungs- und Gerichtshilfe Baden-Württemberg) is also available on the Referat_Y YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/GOSOogfHleo
More information about the Congress: https://www.wcpp2026.id/
Recap
Probation outside Europe
Day 1 of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole is underway in Bali, Indonesia
14/04/2026
Representing the Confederation of European Probation CEP, former board member Jo Tein, CEP President Annie Devos and Vice-President Daniel Danglades are on site, sharing insights and reflections from this global gathering of probation and parole professionals.
Recap
Mental Health
Recap: CEP Expert Group on Mental Health in Probation Meets
14/04/2026
On 8–9 April 2026, the Expert Group on Mental Health in Probation convened in Dublin, Ireland, hosted by the Irish Probation Service. The meeting brought together 7 expert members from 7 European jurisdictions, Portugal, Ireland, Türkiye, Germany, Poland, Northern Ireland, England and Spain (Catalonia), alongside distinguished external speakers from international and academic institutions.
Chaired by Ana Cristina Neves, Head of Service at the Directorate-General of Reintegration and Prison Services (DGRSP), Portugal, the meeting provided a focused and collaborative space to reflect on the group’s progress, consolidate key outputs, and define strategic priorities for the upcoming 2026–2028 mandate.
New
Mental Health
Webinar Announcement: Mental Health in Probation
13/04/2026
We are pleased to invite you to an upcoming CEP webinar on 21st of May titled: “The European Mental Health Curriculum for Probation Officers”
New
CEP
CEP annual report
07/04/2026
The Confederation of European Probation (CEP) has published its Annual Report 2025, showcasing a year marked by growth, cooperation, and continued commitment to strengthening probation across Europe.
Bringing together more than 100 member organisations across 42 countries and 59 jurisdictions, CEP continued to serve as a central platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and collaboration within the European criminal justice field.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.