Opolnomočenje mladih in mladinskih delavcev za prepoznavo in informirano odzivanje na spletno nasilje s preseganjem spolnih stereotipov

<< Background >>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.<< Objectives >>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.<< Implementation >>Within MEDUSA, we implemented a set of activities that comprehensively linked research, prevention work and dissemination. We first carried out a research part that combined a review of existing literature, focus groups and a questionnaire, with which we analyzed the experiences of young people and youth workers and identified key patterns of online gender-based violence. Based on the findings, we developed prevention programs: i) workshops for young people on gender stereotypes, recognizing online violence and safe use of the Internet; ii) a summer school that enabled young people to engage in in-depth experiential learning and reflection on digital risks; iii) training for youth workers to introduce them to methods for supporting victims and for community prevention work. We also established an interactive multilingual online platform with information, materials and learning modules that enabled wider access to the content. We supported the project throughout with communication and dissemination activities - media announcements, online awareness campaign, sending newsletters, and public events (a conference on the establishment of the platform and a final conference where we presented the effects of the project).<< Results >>The results of the MEDUSA project included both concrete products and broader achieved effects that remain accessible even after the end of the implementation. The most visible result was the multilingual interactive MEDUSA platform, which combines educational modules, information on online risks and gender-based violence, advice for safe operation in the digital space, and materials prepared throughout the project. In addition, we developed a handbook for youth workers, which offers practical tools, work methods, examples of activities and guidelines for empowered support for young people and for the implementation of prevention programs. We also prepared recommendations for political decision-makers, with which we highlighted the systemic challenges related to online violence and proposed solutions for more effective regulation and treatment of violence in the digital space. In addition to the core products, research reports and analyses were created, based on the conducted literary research, focus groups and questionnaire, as well as numerous dissemination materials, including media publications, a promotional campaign, public events and information notes, which contributed to the recognition of the topic.