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.
Recap
Electronic monitoring, Technology
14th Electronic Monitoring Conference, Electronic Monitoring in a Changing World – Perception vs Reality
08/10/2026
On 6-8 October 2026, Antalya hosted the 14th Electronic Monitoring Conference “Electronic Monitoring in a Changing World – Perception vs Reality”. More than 350 participants coming from 30 countries across Europe and worldwide representing probation services, Ministries of Justice, victims´ services, EM providers, researchers as well as local participants representing the Turkish Prison and Probation Service gathered to discuss how electronic monitoring (EM) is understood by all stakeholders involved including the victims and the public, and how these perceptions compare to the evidence and experiences of those affected. While the gap between perception and reality in electronic monitoring has been recognised for over a decade, the rapid expansion of EM into areas such as victim protection, high-risk supervision and digital innovation has brought new challenges and questions to the forefront.
Recap
ITSCCS
Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation: highlights from the 6th ITSCCS in Barcelona
05/10/2026
The sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills (ITSCCS) took place in Barcelona from 28 September to 2 October 2026, bringing together 26 participants for a week of learning, practical training and international exchange. Organised by the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE), the programme focused on “Clicks and Empathy: Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation.”
Recap
Framework Decisions
Recap: ERA workshop on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 in Bucharest
02/10/2026
CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades, Ambassador Gerry McNally and Policy Officer Mirka Jakesova participated in the Seminar on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 and their Impact on Alternatives in the EU organized under the EU project run by the Academy of European Law on 28-29 September in Bucharest, Romania. The seminar brought together judges, prosecutors, probation practitioners, academics, and policy experts to discuss the growing role of alternatives to detention within European criminal justice systems.
New
CEP
CEP and Catalan justice leaders reaffirm longstanding cooperation
29/09/2026
Representatives of the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) met with senior officials from the Catalan Department of Justice and Democratic Quality in Barcelona on 28 September 2026, alongside the opening of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills. The meeting offered an opportunity to recognise a longstanding partnership and discuss its continued development.
Updated
Mental Health
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Call for Pilot Implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum
29/09/2026
Good news for CEP members! Following requests from our members, CEP has extended the deadline to apply for the pilot implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum for Probation Officers.
Recap
ITSCCS, Technology
6th International Training School opens in Barcelona with a focus on digital probation
28/09/2026
How can probation professionals use new technologies in their interactions while building trust, showing empathy and supporting change? This question is at the heart of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills, which opened in Barcelona on 28 September 2026.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.