Preventing violence against women and domestic violence requires comprehensive responses that prioritise the safety and support of victims while also addressing the behaviour of perpetrators and reducing the risk of repeated violence. The challenge is not only to ensure effective protection and access to support for victims, but also to prevent future violence by tackling its underlying causes and patterns of abusive behaviour. Victim support is essential to ensure safety, recovery and access to justice, while helping to prevent re-victimisation and further harm. In this context, developing perpetrator programmes means establishing structured, evidence-based interventions that promote accountability, challenge attitudes that perpetuate violence and support behavioural change.
Implemented in close coordination with victim support services and other relevant institutions, these programmes contribute to reducing recidivism and strengthening coordinated responses to violence against women and domestic violence. To support these efforts, 13 representatives of seven Azerbaijani institutions participated in the international conference “Toward Effective Perpetrator Programmes in Line with European Standards” held in Budapest, Hungary. The Azerbaijani delegation included representatives of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Social Services Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Health, the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Ministry of Science and Education.
The conference provided an opportunity for Azerbaijani institutions to exchange experiences with European partners and experts on strengthening perpetrator programmes as part of coordinated responses to domestic violence. Discussions focused on European standards, structured risk assessment and management, cooperation with victim support services, monitoring and evaluation methodologies and multi-agency approaches. The Azerbaijani delegation showed particular interest in practical tools and methodologies for programme implementation, including the ENGAGE Model and quality standards for perpetrator programmes.
The conference was part of the Ending violence against women: multi-country programme. The participation of representatives of Azerbaijani institutions was facilitated through the project “Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence in Azerbaijan”, implemented within the framework of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance III”, co-funded by the Council of Europe and the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe.
