France will begin testing "empathy machines" that use virtual reality technology starting in October, per rfi.
The experiment will involve 30 male volunteers who have been convicted of domestic violence.
This experiment is part of an effort by domestic abusers to stop them from re-offending.
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Radio France Internationale (rfi) reports that France is testing a virtual reality "empathy device" to discourage domestic violence victims from reoffending.
French Justice Minister Eric DupondMoretti unveiled the machine on Friday. It uses "total immersion technology" to help offenders view situations through their victims' eyes, rfi reported.
According to French media outlet La Voix du Nord, the all-male volunteers were reportedly immersed into a "seemingly innocuous" interior by wearing a virtual reality headset created by French startup Reverto.
The media outlet reported that they are shown 12 minutes worth of 360-degree video. It depicts a series scenarios from the victim's perspective.
"It's an empathy machine," explained Guillaume Clere (co-founder of Reverto), during an interview with the rfi. He added, "It makes men understand fears."
A 2021 study published in Technology, Mind and Behavior Journal found that virtual reality machines such as Reverto can elicit compassionate feelings. According to the study, it is not clear if they can increase cognitive empathy or allow users to place themselves in the shoes and experiences of others.
According to the French justice ministry, the machine will be tested with 30 volunteers. The experiment will start in October.
The trial will last for one year in prisons. A justice ministry official said that the priority is to convicts most likely to reoffend.
France has been trying to reduce its high levels of gender-based violence in recent years. France is one of the most dangerous countries in Europe for women, with 146 victims killed by their intimate partners in 2019.
France's parliament passed a bill last summer to protect domestic violence victims. It allows doctors to disclose patient information if they feel life is in imminent danger.
