Project number: 101254844

Implementation period: 2026 – 2028

Gender-based violence Restorative Ambassadorship for Correctional Environments

GRACE is a 24-month, transnational initiative addressing a critical gap in EU responses to gender-based violence (GBV): the lack of structured, trauma-informed rehabilitation for perpetrators. GRACE partnership was formed to create strong links between justice and GBV experts, VET providers, correctional facilities, public bodies and civil society organisations for the reintegration of ex-prisoners and probation. Targeting Greece, Cyprus, and Romania (where GBV rates are exceptionally high and rehabilitative services are limited and GBV perpetration rates remain high, according to the European academic literature), GRACE focuses on five goals:

• create a multi-tiered rehabilitation programme for incarcerated, at-risk, and post-release offenders;
• implement a peer-led Restorative Ambassadorship Model within prisons;
• build professional capacity among correctional staff using gender-sensitive approaches;
• enhance early intervention and post-release support;
• ensure survivor-centered, multi-agency coordination.

The project integrates co-created, victim- and trauma informed methodologies to foster accountability, empathy, and long-term behavior change. It builds on a co-creation methodology, contributing to sustainable GBV prevention and safer reintegration across justice systems.

Our planned deliverables:

• Conceptual Framework of GRACE Rehabilitation Programme
• Gap Analysis Report
• GRACE Training Material for GBV prevention, tackling & post-release
• E-learning Platform
• Staff Handbook on Pedagogical Practices & Manual for the Implementation of GRACE Programme
• Early-Intervention Training Report
• GRACE Rehabilitation Training Report
• Ambassador Scheme Handbook
• GBV Prevention & Awareness Campaign Kit
• Policy Recommendation Brief

Project consortium:

Project coordinator

• Centre for European Constitutional Law (CECL) – Greece

Project partners

• AKMI ANONIMI EKPAIDEFTIKI ETAIRIA (AKMI) – Greece
• “EPANODOS” – Greece
• ENOROS CONSULTING LIMITED – Cyprus
• CENTER FOR PROMOTING LIFELONG LEARNING (CPIP) – Romania
• Bucharest-Jilava Penitentiary (PBJB) – Romania
• Cyprus Prison Department (CYPD) – Cyprus
• BK CONSULT GMBH – Germany

Associated Partner

• Union of Women Member’s Associations of Heraklion Prefecture – Greece

We extend an open invitation to all individuals and institutions interested in becoming part of the GRACE project! Whether you are a professional within the correctional sector seeking to implement educational programs, a victim-survivor association, an educational institution or private organization working with correctional context and willing to collaborate or contribute, we encourage you to connect with us!

Project website available: www.projectgrace.eu