Italy was the first European country to go into full lockdown. The team of the Florence-based Centro di Ascolto Uomini Maltrattanti (CAM) sat down and answered some questions about how they dealt with the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Italy was the first country in Europe to go into full lockdown. What was the first thing you organised for your perpetrator programme?

Initially, we decided to increase the hours of the helpline and each team member activated an individual phone number for easier contact with perpetrators. We held intensive individual support sessions via phone/Skype with perpetrators to monitor the situation and manage potential risk factors for violence during the lockdown. After two weeks, we started online groups with perpetrators and special sessions on autogenic training, anger management and time out management. These were specific COVID-19 emergency sessions.

How did the perpetrators react to the situation?

Those men who were able to continue working reacted calmly. The men who couldn’t work appeared nervous and stressed. They mentioned various reasons: fear of job loss, not being able to cover the family costs and lack of predictability in their lives. In the second phase of lockdown, conflicts and violence intensified.  From 18 May, when the lockdown became more relaxed, many men started seeking support from CAM. In May and June 2020 we recorded twice as many calls form men than in previous year.

How did you continue to work with the men?

The team conducted interviews and groups with men online. Operators produced materials and content ad hoc for online groups using knowledge of previous emergency situations. Additionally, we organized online groups of autogenous training for stress management.

What did you do to ensure victim safety?

To ensure victim safety, we decided to contact the women via SMS. We asked them if they were available to talk to us by phone, if they were alone or safe. If not, we shared the services for women victims of violence active in the area via SMS. If yes, we asked the woman how the situation was progressing at home, inquiring about the various risk factors for violence (child management, economic instability etc.). We also documented whether the woman was in contact with an anti-violence centre and if she wasn’t, provided the information.

How did you take care of your team’s wellbeing and mental health during the lockdown?

During the lockdown we participated in peer-support meetings related to the emotional management and well-being of the operators every two weeks. Additionally, we organized online exchange meetings with other CAM centres across Italy. One CAM employee coordinated relaxation sessions for operators of the various CAMs in Italy.