14 May 2024

Woman´s back with letters written on her skin

The research lens at Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security on Domestic Violence: The Decade Journey

Over recent decades, domestic violence has undergone a substantial transformation, with a shift in societal awareness and constant assurance in addressing policing and other perspectives. This evolution commenced in 1982, and adjustments are always a work in progress because the legal framework and policing must adjust to society and its demands. One of the pillars that emerged in this landscape was the Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security (ISCPSI) and its Research Centre of Investigation (ICPOL) in Portugal. The comprehensive knowledge is built upon the exploitation of multifaceted dimensions of domestic violence, involving 52 publications. The commitment is evident. Capturing the intricate journey of ISCPSI and ICPOL in a concise and informative manner, underlining the role in advancing knowledge and addressing domestic violence dimensions, is the purpose of contributing to a safer and more just society.

ISCPSI journey unveiling multi-layered aspects of domestic violence

Violence in the domestic context has undergone significant changes with an ongoing commitment to address it in legal, research, and policing strategies. It was only in 1982 that spousal violence was introduced into the Penal Code, criminalizing assaults within the context of a marital relationship. This milestone served as the harbinger towards societal enlightenment. The metamorphosis to be redefined as a public crime in 2000 was made with various amendments to this 1982 legal framework, with the expansion for encompassing psychological abuse in 1995. Concurrently, judicial authorities were granted the prerogative to impose restraining orders, prohibiting contexts between the perpetrator and the victim and mandating the suspect's removal from the shared residence. Further refinement of domestic violence legislation has occurred, adapting to meet the needs of an evolving society, enshrining the rights of a broader spectrum of individuals within its protective ambit by incorporating additional categories of individuals.

As a beacon, ISCPSI and ICPOL are building a portfolio with an expansive tapestry, intricately hub with multifaceted dimensions of domestic violence.

The diligent endeavours of ISCPSI have yielded a trove of invaluable insights, enriching our understanding of domestic violence and serving as an invaluable resource for economic, legal, social, policing and the distressing victimological standpoint that bears the weight of this critical concern. The solemn venture has involved an assembly of dedicated researchers, students, and police officers who have sought to unravel the intricacies of domestic violence, making it not merely a scholarly pursuit but a resounding testament to the unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more just society.

In the extensive and steadfast journey, spanning over a decade, unravelling the complexities of domestic violence, ISPCSI has produced a substantial body of work comprising 52 publications. These publications enrich our collective understanding of domestic violence from a multifaceted perspective.

The exertion, which, according to the RCAAP database, commenced in 2010, marked the nascent stage of scholarly exploration. From then on, the number of publications has steadily grown. This approach marked the inception of ISCPSI, and in the following years, a proliferation of publications was witnessed, each progressively unveiling new dimensions of this social malady. The kick-off belongs to Correia (2010), up to 2019 and 2020, which marked an unprecedented surge in ISCPSI, with 7 and 10 publications. The publications fervently addressed the multifaceted nature of domestic violence (e.g. Carvalho, 2019; Ferreira, 2019; Gaspar, 2020; Lemos, 2019; Nunes, 2020; Poiares, 2020). They scrutinized recurrent acts, recidivism issues, and the social impact of this pernicious phenomenon, shedding light on the complexities of victim protection and police responses.

The relentless pursuit of knowledge even extended to international collaborations in 2020. Under the IMPRODOVA (2018-2021) project, discerned gaps, bridges, and harmonization recommendations in the efforts of various stakeholders and countries to combat domestci violence (Bendix-Kaden et al., 2020, 2020a; Burman, 2020; Bradley et al., 2020).

As we enter 2021, the journey continues, probing diverse aspects of domestic violence and its impacts, and 2022 unfolds another milestone in the ISCPSI academic expedition. Research on the GAIV model in Porto (Gil, 2022) in-depth examinations of the role of PSP in child protection (Pereira, 2022) further fortified the institution's commitment to elucidating complex facts of domestic violence. The 2023 journey is ongoing, witnessing an array of research, and we hope that this research helps fertile ground to raise awareness in every stakeholder and society.

As we continue this intellectual decade-long research journey initiated in 2010, we will unfold the multifaceted research findings that offer legal, economic, sociological, and policing standpoints.

The research demonstrates a nuanced perspective on domestic violence in the legal domain, contemplating the legislative evolution and reflecting on the amendments enacted over the years. This body of work is an ongoing dialogue, chronicling the intricate changes in domestic violence laws, framed in a legal context that reflects the evolving needs of our society (examples: Poiares, 2020).

In economics, the contributions offer an insightful perspective on the economic repercussions of domestic violence. The investigation underscores the tangible and intangible costs the state and society bear with an earnest exploration of domestic violence's financial implications and social consequences (Moura et al., 2018).

The social environment has been translated into multiple works throughout the years, delving into the social aspects of domestic violence, particularly its impact on victims of victimization (e.g. Felgueiras et al., 2021).

From the policing perspective, the research work is instrumental in comprehending the intricacies of domestic violence response by law enforcement agencies (LEA). This work is the applied research that serves as a valuable guide, offering insights into the proactive roles of police forces and their contributions to the prevention and intervention in domestic violence cases (e.g. André, 2023; Carvalho, 2016; Lemos, 2016; Machado et al., 2021; Poiares, 2019).

The distinct emphasis of the researchers is influenced by their assorted backgrounds, which contribute to a common framework and goals, a profound exploration of domestic violence. The dedicated team diligently explores, enriches, provides, and promotes the understanding of domestic violence, playing a pivotal role in fostering a safer and more just society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Odyssey spans over a decade of dedicated research, providing a wealth of continuously evolving knowledge. This extensive body of work offers insights into the dimensions of domestic violence from various perspectives, upgrading our understanding of the phenomenon. However, some questions persist: Is it enough? What more can we do? How can we engage the scientific community and academia in addressing domestic violence? These questions serve as food for thoughts and a call to action.

While ISCPSI's contributions have been substantial, there is always room for improvement and further engagement. The quest for a safer and more just society requires ongoing dedication and collaboration within the scientific community. As we reflect on the journey so far, we are reminded of the importance of continuously striving for a deeper understanding of domestic violence, enhancing legal frameworks, and advancing policing and economic perspectives.

In essence, the work contributes to the cause of justice and protection and acts as a catalyst for future research and collective efforts. It is a testament to the commitment of researchers, students, and police officers to make a meaningful impact in the fight against domestic violence and to create a society where individuals are safeguarded, and their rights are upheld. Moreover, the commitment also has repercussions in the interventions and participation in IMPROVE (2022-2025), so new methodologies and think tanks can be stimulated and used shortly.

Sources

  • André, E. S. (2022). O papel do agente envolvido no policiamento de proximidade na prevenção do crime de violência doméstica no Comando Municipal da Polícia de Viana. (Dissertação de Mestrado). ISCPSI.

  • Bendix-Kaden, M., Bradley, L., Brooks-Hay, O, Burman, M, Bonnet, F., Cuillerdier, F., Delpeuch. T., Felgueiras, S., Giljohann, S., Herbinger, P., Houtsonen, J., Jaffré, J-M, Jereb, K., Kersten, J., Leonhardmair, N., Limonier, C., Lobnikar, B., Machado, P., Mela, M., Morgado, S., Neunkirchner, M., Nipuli, S., October, M., Pais, L. Pfleiderer, B., Ritcher, L., Slak, B., Vassileva, M., & Vogt, C. (2020). Country reports and cross-national comparison on the implementation of international norms and national best practices of frontline responders (Deliverable 2.2 for IMPRODOVA). Münster, IMPRODOVA. https://www.improdova.eu/pdf/IMPRODOVA_D2.2_Norms_and_Best_Practices_of_Frontline_Responders.pdf?m=1585673378&

  • Bendix-Kaden, M., Bradley, L., Brooks-Hay, O, Burman, M, Bonnet, F., Cuillerdier, F., Delpeuch. T., Felgueiras, S., Giljohann, S., Herbinger, P., Houtsonen, J., Jaffré, J-M, Jereb, K., Kersten, J., Leonhardmair, N., Limonier, C., Lobnikar, B., Machado, P., Mela, M., Morgado, S., Neunkirchner, M., Nipuli, S., October, M., Pais, L. Pfleiderer, B., Ritcher, L., Slak, B., Vassileva, M., & Vogt, C. (2020a). Country reports and cross-national comparison on the risk assessment tools and case documentation used by frontline responders (Deliverable 2.3 for IMPRODOVA). Münster, IMPRODOVA. https://improdova.eu/pdf/IMPRODOVA_D2.3_Risk_Assessment_Tools_and_Case_Documentation_of_Frontline_Responders.pdf?m=1585673380&

  • Bradley, L., Brooks-Hay, O, Burman, M, Bonnet, F., Cuillerdier, F., Delpeuch. T., Felgueiras, S., Giljohann, S., Hera, G., Herbinger, P., Houtsonen, J., Jaffré, J-M, Kersten, J., Leonhardmair, N., Limonier, C., Lobnikar, B., Machado, P., Mela, M., Morgado, S., Neunkirchner, M., Nipuli, S., October, M., Pais, L. Pfleiderer, B., Ritcher, L., Slak, B., Szegö, D., Vassileva, M., & Vogt, C. (2020). Identifying gaps and bridges of intra and inter-agency cooperation (Deliverable 2.4 for IMPRODOVA). Münster, IMPRODOVA. https://improdova.eu/pdf/IMPRODOVA_D2.4_Gaps_and_Bridges_of_Intra-_and_Interagency_Cooperation.pdf?m=1585673383&

  • Burman, M., Brooks-Hay, O, & Bradley, L. (authors), and Felgueiras, S., Hera, G., Herbinger, P., Houtsonen, J., Leonhardmair, N., Machado, P., Mela, M., Morgado, S., Neunkirchner, M., Pais, L. Pfleiderer, B., Ritcher, L., Szegö, D. (contributing researchers) (2020). Recommendations for data harmonization and consolidation (Deliverable 3.2 for IMPRODOVA). Münster, IMPRODOVA. https://www.improdova.eu/pdf/Improdova_D3.2_Recommendations_Data_Harmonisation_Consolidation.pdf?m=1591377139&

  • Carvalho, P. (2019). Atendimento a vítimas de violência doméstica: contributos para um serviço policial de qualidade. (Dissertação de Mestrado). ISCPSI.

  • Correia, S. S. (2016). Reflexão social dos elementos policiais em relação ao crime de violência doméstica. (Dissertação de Mestrado). ISCPSI.

  • Felgueiras, Sérgio; Pais, Lúcia; Machado, Paulo. "O ministério público e os desafios no combate à violência contra a mulher". In Passado, presente e futuro do ministério público brasileiro: Livro comemorativo dos 50 anos da Associação do Ministério Público do Estado do Maranhão – AMPEM, 739-775. São Luís, Brasil: EDUFMA, 2021

  • Ferreira, L. (2019). A segurança e a violência doméstica: o paradigma da cidade do Porto. (Dissertação de Mestrado). ISCPSI.

  • Gaspar, I. (2020). Delinquência juvenil: crianças e jovens expostos à violência entre ascendentes. (Dissertação de Mestrado). ISCPSI.

  • Gil, J. (2022). Modelos de combate à violência doméstica: o modelo GAIV (Porto) em perspetiva. (Dissertação de Mestrado). ISCPSI.

  • IMPRODOVA (2018-2021). Improving Front Line Responses to High Impact Domestic Violence. https://www.improdova.eu

  • IMPROVE (2022-2025). Improving Access to Services for Victims of Domestic Violence by Accelerating Change in Frontline Responder Organisations. https://www.improve-horizon.eu/

  • Lemos, I. (2019). Proteção policial da vítima: avaliação do risco do agressor em cenários de violência entre ascendentes. (Dissertação de Mestrado). ISCPSI.

  • Machado, P., Pais, L. G., Morgado, S., & Felgueiras, S. (2021). An inter-organisational response to domestic violence: The pivotal role of police in Porto, Portugal. European Law Enforcement Research Bulletin, 21, 121-139. http://bulletin.cepol.europa.eu/index.php/bulletin/article/view/418/344

  • Nunes, A. (2020). Experiência e crenças sobre violência conjugal: uma abordagem comparativa em cenários operacionais distintos. (Dissertação de Mestrado). ISCPSI.

  • Pereira, M. (2022). A intervenção da PSP no acompanhamento e proteção das crianças vítimas (in)diretas de violência doméstica. (Trabalho Individual Final do CCDP). ISCPSI.

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About the authors

Sónia Morgado is an economist with a PhD in Economics and Business Management.

She coordinates the Research Line on Work and Police Organization of Research Center ICPOL’s – ISCPSI. She has been actively involved in project teams under Horizon (2020 and Europe), notably IMPRODOVA, APPRAISE, and IMPROVE.

International and national projects involve police management, technologies, domestic violence, artificial intelligence, and economics.

Sónia is currently a lecturer and a researcher but has professional expertise in auditing bodies, hospital administration, training, and economic-financial consultancy.

Sérgio Felgueiras is a Superintendent, with a PhD in Political Science.

He has been the Learning and Training Director of ISCPSI and coordinates the Research Line on Work and Police Organization of Research Center ICPOL’s – ISCPSI.

He has been the executive manager of the Major Events Lab and the Course Advanced Security Director Training Programme. He is a university lecturer, and has been actively involved in project teams, such as GODIAC, IMPRODOVA, APPRAISE and IMPROVE.

International and national projects involve police management, technologies, domestic violence, and artificial intelligence.

He has professional experience in policing, education processes and ICT in the learning environment.