Register Now | Performing Practice: Exploring Victim Support and Restorative Justice Through Theatre
Date: Wednesday 9 December 2026
Time: 13:30–15:00 CET
Format: Online webinar
How can theatre help professionals see their own work differently? And what happens when practitioners from different parts of the justice and support system step into their own roles in a victim’s journey?
As part of its annual REstART initiative, the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ), in cooperation with Victim Support Europe (VSE), is organising Performing Practice, an online webinar exploring how theatre and role-play can encourage reflection, empathy and stronger cooperation among professionals working with victims.
The session draws on a theatrical exercise developed by VSE with frontline practitioners in Flanders, Belgium. Inspired by the song Violet’s Tale by British artist Ren, the performance follows Violet, a young woman experiencing domestic violence, as she encounters different services and professionals on her journey towards safety, support and justice.
The webinar will explore how this theatrical session was created, what practitioners discovered by stepping into their professional roles on stage, and how creative approaches can reveal both the possibilities and challenges of cooperation.
Drawing also on the findings of the CROSSING PROTECT project, the discussion will consider how restorative justice could become part of Violet’s journey, alongside existing victim support, protection and justice responses. It will explore opportunities for closer cooperation between victim support and restorative justice services, including shared learning, referrals and approaches that recognise the needs of everyone involved.
By bringing together arts, frontline practice and justice, Performing Practice offers participants an opportunity to experience and rethink how professionals work together to support victims of violence against women.
Registration is free. Participants will receive the Zoom link by email after registering. They will also be able to access 45-minute video recordings in advance to prepare for the session.
