Violence against women: a collaborative process for enhancing community responsibility.

Gender-based violence is a significant violation of human rights (EIGE, 2024). Counteracting dynamics that contribute to the persistence of gender inequalities is essential for social transformation. To address these challenges, co-constructed and participatory actions among various stakeholders operating at the local level are necessary. This research is inspired by the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) method (Wallerstein, 2021), which aims to generate knowledge for action (Minkler et al., 2012; Wallerstein et al., 2018). This contribution aims to illustrate the steps of the collaborative process to foster a dialogue between institutional representatives and citizens. The research was carried out in collaboration with the Municipality of Naples and the network of Anti-Violence Centers (CAVs) operating in the Neapolitan area. Following the methodology of focused narrative interviews (Kemper et al., 2003; Legewie, 2006; Schütze, 1983), six stakeholders, psychologists and social workers, were involved, all working in services to counter violence against women in Naples. The interviews explored the following thematic areas: needs, concerns, training, information, and services. In addition, reports collected by local CAVs were analyzed and compared with national data. Furthermore, to identify actions and measures to combat violence at the local level, best practices adopted by services dedicated to tackling violence, both locally and internationally, were collected through a questionnaire. The research project culminated in the creation of two murals, one of which is interactive, by two artists with experience on the theme of violence. These murals were installed at one of the city’s CAVs, with the aim of engaging citizens, service users, service representatives, local authorities, and institutions in producing a message against violence that reflects a shared sense of community responsibility.