The European Violence in Psychiatry Research Group (EViPRG) is an international mental health research-focused network founded in 1997, with more than 120 members in Europe and beyond. EViPRG brings together scientific leaders in mental health, experienced researchers, clinicians, people with lived experience and early career researchers dedicated to reducing coercion, improving competency and quality of practice and addressing ongoing human rights issues.
The human and societal burden linked to the use of restrictive practices such as restraint, seclusion and long-term segregation on people with mental health problems or mental health co-morbidities is an issue which can no longer be silenced and needs urgent attention. If you want to support a worthy cause and make a change, link in with a strong community aspiring to influence policy and practice in this area, progress your career and international profile, or just meet new colleagues and friends, then APPLY to become a member: here. Visit the ‘apply for membership’ page for more info. By joining EViPRG, you will not only get reduced fees at our conferences, but also an unique opportunity to interact with colleagues at both physical and digital meetings, collaborate in projects and take part in discussions via our various platforms. The network usually meets twice a year, as well as organising the the bi-annual “European Conference on Violence in Clinical Psychiatry“.
EViPRG will soon adopt the legacy of the ongoing COST action: FOSTREN – a network set up to establish a sustainable, multidisciplinary network of researchers and innovators who are committed to improving understanding on how to reduce coercion in mental health services (https://fostren.eu/). FOSTREN members will have the option to join EViPRG when the COST action ends, thus continue the ground-breaking work that was generated part of this network. EViPRG+FOSTREN will then become a key platform to continue this collaboration and the work aspiring to prevent coercion in mental health settings.