Introduction
The menABLE study on gender-based violence (GBV) online provides theoretical and practical foundation for the project’s educational and awareness initiatives on combating gender-based violence (GBV) online.
Launched in February 2024 during the menABLE European Policy Roundtable, the study is a significant milestone of the project. Produced over the first year, it is based on an extensive review of national and European research, alongside focus groups and interviews.
Research structure: desktop and qualitative research
The menABLE educational study on gender-based violence (GBV) is divided into two principal sections: desktop research and qualitative research.
The desktop research
The literature review and desktop research form the foundation of the study. The literature review initiated the data collection on GBV online, while the desktop research analyzed existing literature on its phenomenology and terminology. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to understand the manifestations, underlying causes, and consequences of GBV in the digital sphere, particularly focusing on those most affected. This review was bolstered by an examination of existing policies at both European and national levels. By mapping the current landscape, it identifies specific intervention areas and conducts a comparative analysis across partner countries (Belgium, Denmark, and Greece).
The qualitative analysis
The literature review and desktop research revealed key findings on trends in GBV online, which informed subsequent qualititative research.
This involved focus groups with early and late adolescents, educators, and semi-structured interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders and experts in GBV online. A total of 18 focus groups were conducted in Belgium, Denmark, and Greece, gathering insights from young people and both formal and non-formal educators on their perspectives and experiences related to GBV online. Additionally, 21 experts from policy, industry, education, civil society, and youth were consulted.
Key findings of the menABLE study
The menABLE study presents a comprehensive synthesis of the key findings that emerged from the literature review and the qualitative research.
- GBV online, as with its offline manifestation, is rooted in the normalisation of certain behaviours within social and cultural contexts. Despite sharing common roots and causes, it was identified that GBV online can manifest in numerous forms and shapes, and its consequences can also affect the physical well-being of its victims. Furthermore, the use of harsh language appears to be a defining characteristic of GBV online, potentially due to the anonymity afforded by online platforms and social media.
- A subset of the younger generation appears to have internalised certain characteristics of GBV online. This subset presents difficulty in recognising the diverse forms and causes of such phenomena, suggesting a lack of perception regarding the impact of their actions. An understanding of intersectionality is crucial for the comprehension of GBV online. Young people also observed that the most vulnerable individuals are not solely female, but also encompass the LGBTQI+ and non-binary communities. In particular, girls have been observed to express a lack of trust in boys and men, citing their typical online and offline behaviour as a cause for concern.
- Formal and non-formal educators and researchers agreed that additional funding should be allocated to prevention and protection programmes, and that a consensus should be reached on the definition and understanding of GBV online. It is imperative that research and data collection be increased in order to facilitate the formulation of policies and funding programmes that are based on empirical data. Furthermore, education must be tailored based on intersectional factors and in a peer-to-peer and youth-centred manner to empower young people to educate and raise awareness among their peers. Furthermore, it is imperative that all stakeholders and sectors undergo training on GBV online, as it is a pervasive issue.
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