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Better Together: preventing violence in interpersonal relationships through non-formal education

2024-1-IT03-KA152-YOU-0002330822024Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: IT|PT|FR|EE · Grant: €26,343
Promoting gender equalityPromoting LGBT+ equality

Objectives

The Better Together project emerged from the urgent need to address violence in interpersonal relationships among young people—a widespread issue across all European countries that affects individuals regardless of gender, status, or social background. Violence is often associated with women and minority groups, but in reality, it impacts the entire community, including those who may become potential perpetrators, who are often victims of dysfunctional dynamics themselves. Through this project, we aimed to increase participants’ awareness of the signs of toxic relationships and the impact such dynamics can have on physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. The main objective was to promote the conscious construction of peaceful, respectful, and healthy relationships from a young age by providing a safe space for learning, dialogue, and reflection. We created an environment where young people could: recognize situations of violence and gender inequality; deconstruct social roles and gender stereotypes; use nonviolent tools to express their needs, set boundaries, and navigate relational expectations and conflicts. Our intention was to equip participants with concrete tools to become positive role models and promoters of healthier relationships within their communities—starting from improved emotional literacy, critical thinking, and social and civic awareness. The project was developed as a follow-up to an Erasmus+ Training Course organized in France by the Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (YPAN), focused on conflict transformation. The needs that emerged from that experience were shared among youth realities in various countries, including Italy, Portugal, Estonia, and France. Statistical data collected in these countries confirmed the prevalence of violent and discriminatory behaviors among both youth and adults, highlighting the need for early preventive action. Specifically, the project pursued the following objectives: to analyze and reflect on social roles and gender stereotypes; to raise awareness of the various forms of oppression and discrimination; to develop emotional literacy and the ability to distinguish between different types of violence; to promote nonviolent communication techniques; to strengthen autonomy, leadership, and teamwork skills; to boost self-esteem and self-confidence to say “no” and set boundaries; to develop social and civic competences; to foster critical thinking and collective reflection on what hinders or promotes healthy, inclusive relationships. During the final days of the exchange, participants collaborated to create a collective manual entitled “Better Together – Preventing Violence in Interpersonal Relationships”. This resource, which will be made freely available online, compiles the experiences, insights, and methods used throughout the exchange. It will be presented to local communities and partner organizations as a follow-up tool and replicable resource. With Better Together, we promoted a network of young people and organizations committed to preventing violence and fostering peace and inclusion. The project contributed to building more equitable and inclusive environments by supporting EU values and encouraging the active democratic participation of young people.

Project partners (4)