ABD participates in the kick-off meeting of the European FREE-DVV project in Tallinn

On 16 and 17 December 2025, ABD participated in the first transnational meeting (Kick-Off Meeting) of the European FREE-DVV project – Financial Resources and Education to Empower Domestic Violence Victims, held in Tallinn (Estonia) and coordinated by the University of Tartu.

The meeting brought together eight representatives from partner organisations at the Universidad de Tartu (Estonia), ANAIS (Romania), Una Casa per l’Uomo (Italy), with the online participation of the Mediterranean Institute Gender Studies (Cyprus) and, finally, ABD with the presence of one of the European project coordinators from the International Area together with the social worker from the PMORVG (Municipal Point of the Regional Observatory on Gender Violence) in Arroyomolinos (Madrid). 

The aim of the meeting was to kick off the FREE-DVV project, create a shared framework between the participating organisations and coordinate the next steps to jointly develop tools and actions that contribute to preventing economic violence and strengthening the financial autonomy of women victims of gender-based violence.

Work Packages presentation

During the first day, key aspects of project management and planning (WP1) were addressed. ABD leads WP2, which focuses on developing a training guide for professionals working with victims of economic violence. This guide will offer practical guidance on assessing and addressing economic violence and designing effective interventions. It will also provide financial empowerment tools, compile case studies, best practices for intervention and professional self-care in these situations. ABD presented its experience and methodology from the PMORVG in Arroyomolinos (Madrid), as well as a detailed proposal for the structure and content of the training, which was validated by the entire consortium. Among other issues, it was agreed to begin identifying good practices and practical tools for intervention in cases of economic violence.

The meeting continued with the presentation the other WP, which include the creation of a workbook aimed at women victims of economic violence, the design of the free online course (MOOC) for professionals- scheduled to be implemented between 2026 and 2027- and dissemination and advocacy actions and the consolidation of the training guide, workbook and MOOC.

Reception at the Estonia Parliament

On the last day, the partner organisations were welcomed to the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) by representatives of the working group for the eradication of violence against women.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange views on economic violence in different territories, legislative challenges, underreporting, lack of data and raising awareness among professionals without training or experience in direct care for victims of gender-based or economic violence.

ABD particularly highlighted the structural dimension of economic violence, the importance of prevention and the need to raise awareness of the impact on groups such as the LGTBI+ population.

About FREE-DVV

FREE-DVV project launches a joint European effort aimed at improving professional response, strengthening women’s economic rights and contributing to the eradication of gender-based violence from a comprehensive and innovative perspective.

Coordinated by the University of Tartu (EE), with partner organisations ANAIS (RO), Una Casa Per l’Uomo – UCPU (IT), Welfare and Development Association –  ABD Group (SP)y The Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies – MIGS (CY). It is funded by the Erasmus+ KA220-ADU CALL.