Preventive socialization and school culture of zero violence: Addressing gender-based violence in schools

Gender violence is an increasing concern in educational contexts. In this regard, schools have a relevant role in creating a school climate that protects children and youth from gender violence victimization. This study focuses on how the Dialogic Model of Conflict Prevention and Resolution (DMCPR), known for fostering school cultures against violence, specifically addresses gender-based violence. Based on the analysis of qualitative data (interviews, focus groups, and observations with a communicative orientation) collected in five Spanish primary and secondary schools that are implementing the dialogic model of prevention and resolution of conflicts, this paper specifically examines how the model incorporates the approach of preventive socialisation of gender violence. The data analysed show that the preventive socialisation of gender violence, as a part of a school culture of zero violence promoted by the dialogic Model of Conflict Prevention and Resolution, helps children and youth decouple attraction and violence and refuse violence and is effectively achieving improvements in the prevention, reduction and overcoming of gender violence. These results offer insights relevant not only for researchers and practitioners but also for policymakers seeking effective strategies to counter gender violence in educational settings.