Opolnomočenje mladih za prepoznavo in informirano odzivanje na različne oblike nasilja v intimno-partnerskih odnosih v katerih sodelujejo sami ali druge osebe

"<< Background >>The AWARE project was developed based on the need to identify and address the growing problems associated with violence in intimate partner relationships among young people. More and more young people are facing violence in relationships, which is often supported by gender stereotypes and norms that they often unknowingly use as an excuse for violent behavior. Through research and experience from previous projects, we have found that the existing forms and content of educational tools and materials are not sufficient for an effective understanding of the connections between gender and violence in intimate partner relationships, so we decided to develop a project that will raise awareness and eliminate these connections. The AWARE project was designed to enable young people to respond to violence in their relationships in an informed manner, either as victims or as witnesses of violence. The project continued the mission of the previously successful project ""I can choose to say no"" and focused on creating content that would help young people understand the impact of gender stereotypes and roles on violence and encourage them to reflect on the on the importance of forming respectful and equal relationships.<< Objectives >>By implementing the project, we wanted to achieve the necessary changes in the perception of violence in intimate partner relationships among young people. The main goal of the project was to empower young people to recognize different forms of violence and respond to it in an informed manner. With the project, we also wanted to increase awareness of the connection between violence and gender stereotypes, which often shape the behavior of young people and encourage the rationalization of violent behavior. We also went beyond the existing connections between gender (in)equality and violence in intimate partner relationships, thereby encouraging critical thinking about the roles and expectations that society imposes on individuals based on gender. By implementing various awareness-raising activities, we aimed to enable young people to become familiar with tools and content for more effective coping with violence and to sensitize them to the needs and problems that victims of violence face. In the long term, we wanted to contribute to greater openness and understanding of the issue of violence in intimate partner relationships and to the destigmatization of these issues, especially among the youth population.<< Implementation >>Key project activities that we successfully implemented were:-Project management and coordination;-Review/analysis of the existing situation (analysis of the existing situation, which provided theoretical and conceptual starting points for the preparation of further project activities);-Translation of the content of the interactive online platform True2You into Slovenian and establishment of the Slovenian version of this platform;-Individual online psychosocial counseling (providing individual answers to questions and providing a counseling process);-Interactive educational workshops for young people (10 workshops in each participating country, 5 comprehensive workshop modules were prepared);-Online awareness campaign (posts on FB and Instagram, preparation of 8 videos);-Dissemination of project results (press conference upon establishment of the online platform, preparation of leaflets, professional conference upon completion of the project).<< Results >>The results of the project were:-Improved knowledge and understanding of young people about the occurrence of intimate partner violence and the connection of violence with gender stereotypes and roles.-Empowered victims of violence and other young people to effectively recognize and respond to violent behavior in intimate partner relationships.-Establishment of the Slovenian version of the True2You online platform, which includes a psychosocial counseling center intended for young victims of violence.-Exchange of good practices between partner organizations from different countries, which contributed to strengthening the alliance and filling the gap in addressing intimate partner violence.-Improved understanding and raising awareness among young people and the general public about the dangers of intimate partner violence and the mechanisms that reinforce gender stereotypes and legitimize such behavior.-The project included a broad approach to including different sexual orientations, thereby providing young people with equal opportunities in creating healthy and safe relationships."