Congress Debates Domestic Violence and the Istanbul Convention

On 5 March, the International Congress - Domestic Violence and the Istanbul Convention brought together renowned experts, academics, policymakers, and professionals from various fields at the Professor José Araújo Auditorium of Lusófona University for an in-depth discussion on the multiple impacts of domestic violence. The event, organised by the Faculty of Law at Lusófona University, revisited the legal, social, and psychological dimensions of the issue, highlighting the crucial role of the Istanbul Convention in preventing and combating this alarming reality.

Among the various presentations, topics such as the impact of domestic violence on children, often silenced, were discussed. Experts emphasised that in cases where parents separate due to a violent environment, children frequently blame themselves, which can lead to deep trauma and emotional difficulties throughout their lives.

The conference also stressed that domestic violence is not limited to physical assault but extends to psychological and emotional suffering. One of the most striking points was the reflection on the betrayal of trust: the pain caused by violence from a loved and trusted person is devastating, often leaving irreversible scars.

Another fundamental aspect addressed was the diversity of victims and perpetrators. Although violence by men against women is the most reported, other forms of abuse cannot be ignored. Experts warned of the need to broaden the discussion and raise awareness of cases involving violence perpetrated by women against men, mothers against children, and assaults against transgender individuals, reinforcing that all violence must be reported and combated, regardless of who commits or suffers it.

The conference covered the origins of domestic violence through to its tragic consequences, proposing paths towards awareness and the eradication of the issue. The main message conveyed by the event was clear: domestic violence is a flame that has burned for far too long, but it is up to all of us to act and extinguish it.

View the Event Photos on Lusófona University's Facebook

Text
Moisés da Silva

Photography
Mariana Lourenço

Video (Coverage)
Moisés da Silva and Sara Serrano

Video (Editing)
Beatriz Sobrado