Educating on differences to prevent violence gender-based (EDVIGE): a project for the primary prevention of gender-based violence during adolescence

Gender-based violence is any act of violence based on gender that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty. It represents a major global health issue.

Although this phenomenon most frequently manifests itself within emotional, familial, and/or friendly relationships, it actually concerns society as a whole. It must be considered a structural problem—not just a situational or emergency issue—and should be addressed with a scientific approach and through urgent, coordinated measures.

It is therefore essential to educate girls and boys from an early age to understand the importance of mutual respect, listening, and appreciation of others’ differences. They must be provided with tools to recognize and avoid gender-based violence.

The EDVIGE Project by the VìOLA Dauna Volunteer Organization proposes an operational model to raise awareness among students, teachers, and educators about the early recognition of risk factors and/or warning signs of gender-based violence, in order to prevent the psycho-physical and social consequences stemming from unhealthy relationships, both within and outside the family context.