Evaluation of a Training Program Aimed At Young Lawbreakers to Prevent Gender-Based Cyber Violence

This study focuses on the evaluation of a training program aimed at young lawbreakers designed to prevent Gender-Based Cyber Violence (GBCV). The program was implemented in five European countries (Spain, Finland, Italy, Portugal and Romania), and the training materials were developed by expert researchers, and then reviewed and discussed by the trainers and young people for their improvement and adaptation to the target group. A mixed research methodology combining quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. On the quantitative side, a survey was implemented with a pre-post design without a control group to examine changes in the youths’ responses before and after the training. For the qualitative approach, open-ended interviews were conducted to gather participants' viewpoints. The results showed significant differences pre and post, with their conceptions of GBCV and sexism particularly improving after the training, while Internet safety actions also increased. The main lessons learned by young people were related to gender stereotypes, types of GBCV, discrimination and its forms, and recognizing themselves as perpetrators and/or victims. The trainers’ evaluations of the group’s knowledge, their participation in the training activities, and their development of emotional and digital competencies to cope with GBCV, were all positive.