The multidisciplinary conference "From violence to caring" 4-5 December 2008 brought together around 150 researchers, students, activists and practitioners from both Finland and abroad. The conference collected expertise and perspectives from more than 20 different countries. The aim was to discuss methodological and theoretical issues of research, the various forms of violence, the prevention of violence and the preconditions for creating the culture and practices of non-violence in schools and other educational environments as well as at home, at the workplace and during leisure time. The conference offered an opportunity to discuss several manifestations of gendered and sexualised violence in different spheres of life.

The keynote speakers were well-known researchers:
Prof Liz Kelly, London Metropolitan University, UK
PhD Mary Jane Kehily, The Open University, UK
PhD. Emma Renold, Cardiff University, UK
PhD Neema Nungari Salim, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Project coordinator, researcher Mervi Heikkinen, Finland

We want to warmly thank all the keynote speakers, participants, presenters at the nine different workshops, volunteers and participants who brought their posters and contributed in many other ways to making the conference a wonderful forum for discussion and making connections. Women's and Gender Studies in the University of Oulu is proud to have been able to host this high class conference! Part of the discussions are now available in the conference proceedings.