In an attempt to break the cycle of domestic violence, virtual reality producer Reverto is working with the French Ministry of Justice to trial a program that provides perpetrators with a virtual experience of abusive situations.
In a 12-minute portrayal of a couple's daily interactions, the participant is placed in different roles: that of the victim, the abuser and a child witnessing abuse. Since there's a correlation between low cognitive empathy and violence, the idea is to help abusers understand what victims and bystanders are feeling and thinking.
Reverto's program is being tested now in three penitentiary centers. If results are positive, it will be rolled out throughout France. Enliven in the Netherlands and Virtual Bodyworks in Spain have been working on similar programs.
