Recorded in Lisbon, Portugal, host Anna joins a study visit with 2gether4victims partners, bringing listeners directly into the collaborative environment where experts share knowledge and exchange best practices across Europe.

Guests include Dr. Ramunė Jakštienė, Associate Professor at Mykolas Romeris University (Vilnius, Lithuania), who contributes expertise in gender and victim support systems through teaching, research, and practice, and Nicole van Gelder, Researcher at Slachtofferhulp Nederland, who focuses on applying evidence and data to improve services for victims of intimate partner violence in the Netherlands.

The discussion delves into the findings of the 2gether4victims project, highlighting what makes victim support responsive to the diverse needs of women, men, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. Key indicators of gender-sensitive practices are explored across policy, program design, service delivery, and evaluation, alongside practical examples from the Netherlands, including specialized centers, tailored interventions, and inclusive online platforms.

This episode offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on bridging research and practice to develop support systems that are equitable, trauma-informed, and intersectional. Listeners will gain strategies, best practices, and expert perspectives to enhance support for all victims of gender-based and domestic violence.

Credits

The narrators:

• Greta Hirschberg (Anna), VSE
• Aine Hanrahan (Anna), VSE
• Dylan Power (Narrator), VSE

Guests:

• Ramunė Jakštienė, (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
• Nicole van Gelder (Victim Support Netherlands)

Podcast director: Sara Maino, Multimedia Artist

Text: Marina Kazakova, VSE

Music attribution: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm, freesfx.co.uk and Sara Maino

Sound effects: bbc.co.uk – © [2024] BBC https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/search freesound_community from Pixabay, Sara Maino

She speaks with Leonor Costa, Project Manager at APAV – Victim Support Portugal, who shares insights into how these tools are designed to identify gaps in organizational approaches, ensure that assessment results lead to real improvements, and overcome challenges during development. Leonor also explains how APAV’s OSA tools can be adapted to national and local contexts across Europe.

Listeners will discover how self-assessment tools can drive tangible change, promote more equitable and responsive support, and empower organizations to better meet the needs of all victims of gender-based violence.

Credits

The narrators:

• Greta Hirschberg (Anna), VSE
• Aine Hanrahan (Anna), VSE
• Dylan Power (Narrator), VSE

Contributions (field recordings):

• Jurgita Gaputienė (Veda Vidus, Lithuania)

Guest: Leonor Costa (APAV)

Podcast director: Sara Maino, Multimedia Artist

Text: Marina Kazakova, VSE

Music attribution: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm, freesfx.co.uk and Sara Maino

Sound effects: bbc.co.uk – © [2024] BBC https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/search freesound_community from Pixabay, Sara Maino

The discussion delves into how the INA tool was developed by Women’s Room, a specialized organization from Croatia, in close collaboration with partners across Europe. The tool helps support providers identify and respond to the specific needs of victims of gender-based and domestic violence, taking into account safety, psychological and physical well-being, practical needs, and long-term recovery. Listeners learn how the tool addresses common misconceptions about GBV/DV, challenges stereotyping, and ensures that support is tailored to the unique circumstances of women, men, and non-binary individuals.

Throughout the episode, the importance of a gender-sensitive and intersectional approach is emphasized, illustrating how understanding the role of gender, societal norms, and systemic inequalities improves the quality of support. Practical guidance is provided on how the INA tool can be applied in both specialized and non-specialized services, complementing existing national legislation while ensuring equitable access to services for all victims.

This episode offers actionable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, highlighting how structured, collaborative, and evidence-based tools like the INA can make victim support more responsive, inclusive, and effective. Listeners gain an in-depth view of the practical application, benefits, and ongoing refinement of the INA tool, while experiencing the dynamic environment of European partners learning and innovating together to enhance support for survivors of gender-based and domestic violence.

Credits

The narrators:

• Greta Hirschberg (Anna), VSE
• Aine Hanrahan (Anna), VSE
• Dylan Power (Narrator), VSE

Guests:

• Jasmina Cerimagic (Womens’s Room, Croatia)

Podcast director: Sara Maino, Multimedia Artist

Text: Marina Kazakova, VSE

Music attribution: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm, freesfx.co.uk and Sara Maino

Sound effects: bbc.co.uk – © [2024] BBC https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/search freesound_community from Pixabay, Sara Maino

The discussion highlights the value of study visits, showing how professionals from across Europe — including NGOs, social services, police, and justice representatives — come together to see first hand how victim support is delivered in different contexts. Guests Bruno Monteiro from Victim Support Europe and Emilija Kazancevė from Veda Vidus (formerly, KSPSC) share examples from visits to Spain, Germany, France, Belgium, and Portugal, illustrating practical strategies, coordinated services, and inclusive approaches that make a real difference for victims.

Listeners get an inside look at good practices, from trauma-informed care and gender-sensitive routines to proactive outreach, effective coordination between organisations, and long-term support systems. The episode also emphasizes mutual learning, showing how small changes observed abroad can inspire meaningful improvements at home.

This episode offers insights for practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in victim support, demonstrating how collaboration, observation, and exchange across Europe can strengthen services and ensure victims receive timely, empathetic, and effective support.

Credits

The narrators:

• Greta Hirschberg (Anna), VSE
• Aine Hanrahan (Anna), VSE
• Dylan Power (Narrator), VSE

Guests:

• Bruno Monteiro (VSE)
• Emilija Kazancevė (Veda Vidus, Lithuania)

Contributions (field recordings):

• Miren Špek (Victim and Witness Support Service Croatia)
• Maja Stahan (Victim and Witness Support Service Croatia)

Podcast director: Sara Maino, Multimedia Artist

Text: Marina Kazakova, VSE

Music attribution: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm, freesfx.co.uk and Sara Maino

Sound effects: bbc.co.uk – © [2024] BBC https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/search freesound_community from Pixabay, Sara Maino