Luxembourg Launches Theatre Project for Domestic Violence Prevention

On Wednesday 14 July 2021, Luxembourg's Minister of Equality between Women and Men presented the new theatre project for the prevention of domestic violence as well as the extension of the violence.lu website.

In 2020, Luxembourg's crisis management system made it possible to avoid the surge in domestic violence cases feared in the context of the health crisis. Nevertheless, domestic violence remains a daily reality in Luxembourg and affects all social circles.

The Ministry of Equality between Women and Men intervenes in the fight against domestic violence with a multidimensional approach. Beyond the care of victims and perpetrators by its contracted managers, the ministry also relies on prevention activities to act at an early stage and raise awareness among the population.

Through the violence.lu website, the ministry is creating a reference platform for victims, perpetrators and witnesses of violence. The new site illustrates the different forms of violence and provides information on existing support services. By de-stigmatising the subject and highlighting the support availabel, the ministry is encouraging everyone to act. Minister Taina Bofferding recalled that every case of violence is one too many.

Through the new theatre project, the ministry is proposing a new instrument for the prevention and awareness of domestic violence. The project highlights the importance of equality between women and men and the impact of gender stereotypes. It aims to stimulate the awareness and responsiveness of all of members of society and provides information on the existing legal and regulatory provisions which sanction domestic violence.

This theatre approach is intended to be participatory. Firstly, the staging of different situations of domestic violence makes it possible to present the different facets of violence that concerns women, men and children and includes physical, sexual and psychological violence. Then, a dialogue is established with the public in order to be able to bring out the words and reflections around the forms of violence as well as how to act and help.

“We want to overcome persistent taboos and empower those affected - victims, perpetrators and also witnesses - to break cycles of violence and act early. In the face of domestic violence, we are all called on not to close our eyes”, said Minister Taina Bofferding.

In order to reach a large audience in the different regions of the country, theatrical interventions are being organised with interested municipalities. During performances, members of the ministry's partner organisations will also be able to attend to answer questions from the public.