The World Health Organisation (WHO) has long recognised the detrimental impact of aggression in prisons, affecting a vulnerable group of individuals who endure high levels of violence and victimisation. Reactive aggression, stemming from feelings of threat, provocation, frustration, or anger, often goes unreported and underestimated within the prison system. Extensive research highlights that a number of factors such as overcrowding, understaffing, and lack of psychological support contribute to increased misconduct, aggression, and violence in prisons. To address these pressing issues, the Erasmus+ project VR4React has been launched.
VR4React is an Erasmus+ project aiming to provide prosocial training within prison environments through the development of an innovative methodology utilising Virtual Reality (VR).
VR technology offers a safe and controlled environment for individuals to enhance their prosocial skills, making it an ideal platform for intervention and training. The effectiveness of VR-enhanced training in various fields has been well-established, and the project seeks to leverage this potential.
The project acknowledges that inmate misconduct not only jeopardises the safety and well-being of inmates but also significantly impacts prison officers. Increased risk of injury and stress leads to high rates of absenteeism, job dissatisfaction, and staff turnover. Thus, VR4React aims to enhance prison officers’ cognitive and behavioural strategies to effectively respond to, manage, and prevent reactive aggression. By equipping them with de-escalation tactics, practical intervention strategies, and rehabilitation support, the project seeks to foster a safer and more harmonious prison environment.
VR4React will adopt a blended-learning approach, comprising an e-learning course to provide participants with theoretical knowledge and VR-enhanced training to practice and improve newly acquired skills in a realistic environment with minimal risks.
By harnessing the potential of VR technology, VR4React aims to create a transformative impact on the lives of both inmates and prison staff. Through the promotion of prosocial skills, improved well-being, and the adoption of effective strategies, the project seeks to foster safer prison environments and facilitate the successful rehabilitation and social reintegration of individuals.
The project consortium comprises eight European organisations: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos – Spain (Coordinator); Innovative Prison Systems (IPS) – Portugal; Polish Platform for Homeland Security (PPHS) – Poland; KMOP Education and Innovation Hub – Greece; University St Kliment Ohridski Bitola (UKLO) – North Macedonia; Ministry of Justice – Ankara Probation Directorate (DSDB) – Turkey; Baia Mare Penitentiary (ANP) – Romania; National Administration of Penitentiaries (ANP) – Republic of Moldova.
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