Through the ESSENTIAL project, we aimed to combat the rising issue of technology-facilitated violence against women by addressing key gaps in awareness, education, and support across Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Italy. Our goals were to increase protection and empowerment for adult women, especially those with low digital literacy or living in vulnerable conditions, by creating accessible resources, practical tools, and safe spaces for sharing and healing. We also sought to train professionals working with women, raise public awareness of the impact of online violence, and strengthen the capacity of our partner organisations through cross-border collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of expertise.
The partnership launched the ESSENTIAL project with a shared goal to support, empower, and enhance women’s resilience against technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), a widespread issue lacking public understanding and systematic prevention. The project addressed several critical, underserved needs: - Recognition of Digital Violence as Serious Harm: ESSENTIAL challenged the marginalisation of TFGBV (e.g. cyberstalking, harassment, revenge porn), promoting its recognition as serious violence with lasting mental and social impacts. - Support for an Overlooked Age Group (35–50 years): Adults aged 35–50 often lack digital safety skills, making them more vulnerable. ESSENTIAL specifically targeted this often-neglected demographic. - Empowerment Through Practical Tools: Women gained digital self-protection strategies, knowledge, and skills to prevent and respond to TFGBV. - Public Awareness-Raising: The project improved public understanding of TFGBV and its effects via podcasts, social media campaigns, and educational tools, challenging stigma. - Community-Based Peer Support: ESSENTIAL built peer networks offering solidarity, emotional support, and tools for healing—empowering survivors to become advocates.