With the MEDUSA project, we wanted to establish a systematic, gender-sensitive approach to understanding, preventing and addressing online violence. The main aim was to create high-quality and accessible content that would encourage young people to recognise harmful online behaviours, to understand the role of gender stereotypes in the normalisation of violence and to respond actively when they encounter or witness violence. At the same time, we wanted to empower youth workers; not only with information, but also with useful methods, practical tools and greater confidence in supporting victims and in preventive action in the community. An important part of the goals was also a wider impact on society, so we aimed to raise awareness among professionals and the general public that online violence is not neutral, but is closely linked to gender norms and power relations. Through the development of a multilingual online platform, educational approaches and communication activities, we wanted to contribute to a safer, more inclusive digital space and encourage a long-term change in the understanding of and tolerance for online gender-based violence.
We applied for the MEDUSA project in response to the increasingly pressing phenomenon of online gender-based violence among young people. Research shows worrying trends - girls and young women are disproportionately exposed to harassment, sexual pressure, revenge pornography and invasions of privacy online, which often leads to withdrawal from public space, self-censorship and deepening psychological distress. We identified two key gaps: 1) young people do not have enough knowledge about recognising and stopping online violence and about the impact of gender stereotypes that normalise such violence; 2) youth workers need more competences and tools to support victims and develop a safe environment to talk about experiences that are often gender-based. The project aimed to fill these gaps and establish a long-term system of support, education and awareness-raising. Our aim was to empower young people to recognise and respond to gender-based violence, and to enable youth workers to take effective and confident preventive action. We were therefore looking for a path to change at the level of understanding, behavioral patterns, and society's attitude towards the digital space.