About

The issue of domestic violence (DV) continues to represent a significant challenge across Europe, with adverse consequences for both individuals and communities. In response to this situation, the ISEDA project (Innovative Solutions to Eliminate Domestic Abuse), coordinated by Cologne Game Lab from the TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences, has been launched with the objective of combating and eliminating domestic violence through the use of innovative tools and the establishment of strong European partnerships. It unites fifteen partners from nine countries and is supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program.

This joint research project seeks to combat and eliminate domestic violence (DV) by employing an enriched European approach, utilizing modern technological tools and practices, and improved multi-sectoral expertise in its activities. One of these tools will be a chat-bot, which will employ empathetic language and inform victims on ways to get help and assistance, as well as refer them to hotlines, police authorities, or other first responders to de-escalate violent situations. The chat-bot will also familiarize citizens with the different types of DV, how to prevent, detect, and investigate it. With the victims’ consent, an integrated data platform will gather court-proof evidence to build legal cases and record trends on the nature, frequency, and circumstances of DV.

A key activity of the ISEDA project will be to provide training, primarily to police authorities, through interactive learning. Trainees will develop the necessary skills to better assess DV situations, respond accordingly, and provide better assistance to victims and a just treatment to their cases. Awareness on DV will be further improved through campaigns integrating the input of victims via informational guides, posters, and videos. Education Programs will focus on sensitizing and engaging students, fostering know-how on deconstructing toxic gender stereotypes and gender based violence, and promoting healthy relationships and zero tolerance to violence. The ISEDA project will also promote and implement perpetrator programs as an alternative to imprisonment and a chance for positive change. Such programs have the potential to significantly increase the quality of life of both victims and perpetrators.

Project Links

Windows Build: https://th-koeln.sciebo.de/s/ofASWrF9cYlVSBQ

UE5.3.2 Source Code: https://th-koeln.sciebo.de/s/YmSssot0Pnta0dB

Serious Game Development

Besides coordinating the project, the Cologne Game Lab developed a serious game that simulates different interview scenarios. This autonomous, standalone simulation product functions as a training tool for police officers, who frequently constitute the first responders in situations of domestic violence. The simulation is intuitive and accessible to all, requiring no prior experience with digital games; it can be used even by those unfamiliar with gaming environments.

The three-person CGL-research team, comprising Chad Comeau (Team Lead & Game Design), Kendys Ortega (3D Art) and Sergej Laas (Programming), encountered a number of challenges during the development phase. These included the creation of highly realistic avatars of victims, the development of dialogue and the design of animations. Guided by CGL’s Prof. Dr. Emmanuel Guardiola, the team devised three distinct scenarios, each depicted by five actresses from the various participating countries. Throughout this process, they developed an innovative approach. Their solutions included the utilisation of MetaHuman Animator, the establishment of a cost-effective facial motion capture pipeline, and the creation of an automation tool to process the footage. All tools developed for this project are open source.

While police officers are the primary target group, social workers—who play a crucial role in supporting victims and collaborating with law enforcement—could also benefit from this tool. The simulation facilitates a more nuanced comprehension of the intricacies inherent to domestic violence cases, thereby enhancing the efficacy of intervention strategies.

Alongside the simulation, the project includes an innovative chat-bot designed to offer support to victims of domestic violence. This chat-bot provides vital information, connects victims with the appropriate authorities, and serves to calm tense situations. With the consent of the victim, it can also collect evidence that could be used in a legal context, thereby streamlining the legal process.

For more information about the ISEDA project and its ongoing efforts to combat domestic violence, visit the official project page on the European Commission’s CORDIS website: ISEDA Project Page. (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101073922)


The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101073922.