Scaling out the Project dldl/ድልድል Model®

The Institute for Domestic Violence, Religion & Migration (IDVRM) builds on the research and intervention model developed and implemented by Project dldl/ድልድል to redress inequalities and biases in international gender-based violence research and practice that neglected non-western voices and worldviews. The model centres domestic violence research and practice on cultural and religious sensitivity, interdisciplinarity and genuine co-creation with diverse community stakeholders. It was developed by Dr Romina Istratii informed by personal experiences with domestic violence, religion and migration and long-term anthropological research and trust-based partnerships in Africa. The model was piloted with UKRI funding between 2020 and 2024 in Ethiopia and the UK and has generated significant impacts that have been recognised through numerous awards and recognitions.

The main components of this model are presented in the graph below:

Copyright © 2025 Dr Romina Istratii

Inspired by the ethos and aims of Project dldl/ድልድል, the Institute of Domestic Violence, Religion & Migration seeks to:

• Employ, refine and scale up and out the Project dldl/ድልድል Model® of collaboration and co-creation in domestic violence responses
• Continue to promote the decolonial ethos guiding the approach of Project dldl/ድልድል to achieve culturally relevant and locally led responses in communities internationally
• Share the Project dldl/ድልድል Model® and better integrate the lessons learned and evidence produced into policy and practice
• Promote stronger bridges between religious and secular stakeholders at both practice and policy level

To find out more about the impact achieved through Project dldl/ድልድል, read the Impact Case Studies available on our website.