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Description
This project is a primary prevention project with strategies to support children and young people in the VWDV area. It has 5 structuring axes: Measure I - Create a local plan for the prevention of violence against women and domestic violence - Creation of an interinstitutional Commission for the prevention of VWDV with local institutions with children and young people; Elaboration of a local VWDV prevention plan for 2019-2021; Measure II- To train local agents from different contexts, working with children and young people, in the area of violence against women and domestic violence in order to ensure the replicability of a local culture of non-violence.- Qualification Action for teaching staff; not teaching; technicians from local institutions such as kindergartens, Youth Associations, Resident Associations, Police Officers of Public Security; Measure III- Support projects of local associations to prevent violence against women and domestic violence- "No!" Annual Contest - Financial support for local projects; Measure IV- Implement territorial programs of primary prevention and violence applied to children and young people, through multi-session programs in a school context, namely those that work culture of non-violence, promotion of non-violent masculinities, social tolerance to violent behaviors associated with gender, dating violence and the valorization of respect and equality, in school context and adolescents and young people in a context of social vulnerability. Measure V- Promote awareness campaigns for the theme in terms of the production of videos suitable for each age group, use of mupis in public spaces, contests for children and youth comic strips and campaigns on social networks; Awareness Campaign against VMVD through the production of videos adapted to each age group; Use of mupis and murals in the public space to disseminate the culture of non-violence; Awareness campaigns on the social networks of the promoter and partners.
Summary of project results
The NO Project, promoted by the Junta de Freguesia de Benfica, aimed to prevent violence against women and domestic violence (VMVD) through primary prevention and support strategies for children and young people.
One of the main challenges the project aimed to address was the lack of education and training on violence prevention among professionals, children, and youth. By developing structured programs, the project sought to equip individuals with interpersonal skills free from stereotypes, fostering a culture of non-violence and respect.
Another key issue was the need for early intervention. By engaging young people in educational programs, the project worked to prevent cycles of violence before they began, promoting healthy relationships and gender equality from an early age.
The NO Project worked to prevent violence against women and domestic violence by educating children, young people, parents, and professionals. It developed prevention programs for 1,002 children and young people, from Kindergarten to Secondary Education, including those from vulnerable backgrounds. These programs promoted healthy relationships and helped prevent violent behaviors. Parents were also involved through awareness sessions to reinforce these messages at home.
The project also focused on training professionals, offering seven certified training sessions that equipped 162 professionals with the skills to identify, prevent, and respond to domestic and gender-based violence. This training ensured that teachers, social workers, and other key figures could better support children and families affected by violence.
To reach a wider audience, the project carried out awareness campaigns. These included video production, urban billboards (MUPIs), murals, and social media campaigns to spread messages against violence. The NO! Competition encouraged community participation, and public events, including opening and closing seminars, helped share the project''s impact.
The NO Project successfully trained 162 professionals in preventing domestic and gender-based violence, equipping them with essential skills to support victims and promote a culture of non-violence. Among them were 30 police officers (PSP agents), 34 school staff and monitors, 30 social service technicians, 16 early childhood educators, and 52 teachers across different education levels. These professionals now have better tools to identify and address violence, helping to create safer environments for children and families.
The project also implemented prevention programs for 1,002 children and young people, from Kindergarten to Secondary Education, including those from vulnerable backgrounds. These programs were delivered in various schools and educational institutions, involving structured activities that promoted respect, equality, and conflict resolution skills. By engaging young people at different stages of their development, the project helped shape positive attitudes toward gender equality and non-violence.
Summary of bilateral results
The NO Project benefited from a strong collaboration with Likestillingsenteret-Hamar, which played a key role in developing training content, prevention programs, and manuals. This partnership helped integrate international best practices into the project''s approach to preventing violence against women and domestic violence. Likestillingsenteret-Hamar contributed to training non-teaching staff and designing prevention programs for children and young people, including those from vulnerable backgrounds. Their expertise helped ensure that schools and professionals were better prepared to identify, prevent, and respond to violence, fostering safer educational environments. The partner also supported the translation and adaptation of a manual for professionals, providing practical tools for those working directly with children, youth, and families. This collaboration strengthened the project’s impact and ensured that its resources could be used beyond its initial implementation, promoting long-term awareness and prevention.