The conversation about technology continued in Panel Discussion 2, “Technology for whom and by whom – victim support and AI.” Moderated by Estefanía Navarrete of the Valencia Local Police, the panel brought together experts to discuss the increasing threat of cybercrime and the challenges women face in the digital realm. Paz Lloria, a professor at the University of Valencia, highlighted the risk of algorithmic bias, stressing that algorithms must be trained with values that reflect broader societal perspectives. The panel concluded that while digital tools offer valuable opportunities for early detection and support, they also raise critical questions about data privacy and accessibility.

Transforming Policy into Action at the Grassroots Level

In Panel Discussion 4, "Transforming Policy into Action: Preventing Domestic Violence," moderated by Angelika May of S.I.G.N.A.L. e.V., the conversation shifted to real-world application. Måns Enqvist, Chief Superintendent of the Finnish National Police Board and IMPROVE Advisory Board member, candidly discussed the challenges Finland faces in implementing EU directives, such as low police density and limited specialized training. He highlighted how Finland allocates resources to expanding shelter capacity, developing inter-agency cooperation, and providing mandatory education. Marianne Mela, a researcher at the Finnish Police University College, presented findings on how schools can serve as safe spaces for victims of honour-related violence, while Sandra González of the Spanish NGO Asociación Askabide shared insights from her organization's 40 years of supporting migrant women. The panel concluded with a shared recognition that sustainable progress depends on the establishment of binding standards and legal frameworks to scale up good practices.

The event also included a Pitch Session that identified potential areas for collaboration among sister projects. Representatives from ISEDA, VIPROM, and TACTICS presented their own innovative initiatives. These projects, which focus on areas like training police through serious games, strengthening support in the healthcare sector, and enhancing multi-agency cooperation, underscored the broader ecosystem of European research and collaboration dedicated to combating gender-based violence.

The Clothesline Project: A Powerful Visual Testimony

In parallel with the symposium, PLV hosted the Clothesline Projectat the venue, a powerful visual art display that gives voice to survivors of domestic violence and raises awareness about the realities of abuse. This symbolic exhibition toured several European countries participating in the IMPROVE project before coming to Valencia and will culminate in Germany and Greece.

Previous to the exhibition in Valencia, PLV in collaboration with the APTC association held a participatory workshop on 19 May 2025, under the slogan “Each T-shirt, a story” with women survivors of gender-based violence. The goal was to create new T-shirts featuring personal messages and images that reflect their experiences with violence. This artistic activity provided a meaningful platform for survivors to express themselves, raise awareness, and break the silence surrounding gender-based violence.

A Lasting Impact

The symposium was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse and committed audience. A total of 159 people attended on-site, with an additional 175 livestream views from around the world. The event garnered extensive media coverage, both locally and nationally, from outlets like La Razón, Cadena Ser, and Levante TV, underscoring its public relevance.

In the closing remarks, Joachim Kersten, Senior Research Professor at the German Police University, and his colleagues thanked all who contributed to making the event a success. They emphasized the necessity of collaboration and the opportunity the symposium provided to reflect on the status quo of domestic violence management. The event concluded not as a final chapter, but as a new beginning, charting a path for future research and action. The legacy of the IMPROVE project and the Valencia symposium is a powerful testament to the fact that by combining human empathy, innovative technology, and unwavering political will, we can build a safer, more just society for all. The event’s comprehensive dissemination activities, from the strategic communication plan to the production of a short video summary, ensure that its powerful message will continue to resonate long after the final panel.