Gender-based violence (GBV) is the most extreme expression of unequal gender relationsin society and one  of  the  most  widespread  violations  of  human  rights.  While  GBV  disproportionally  affects  women  and girls,  it  also  affects  men  and  boys. GBV is preventable and educational institutions can play a central role in ending  it. 

Students  in  Vocational  Institutes  (VET)  typically  fall  between  the  ages  of  18  and  30  and evidence  shows  that  young  people  in  this  age  category  lack  adequate  information  on  the  spectrum  of violence based on gender and they are unaware on the existing means to report and address the abuse behavior.  

All project partner countries (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxemburg, Spain, Slovakia, Romania and Austria) are well advanced in the fight against GBV in general but also in the areas of education with information and training mostly for teachers and students and in a lower degree for parents. There are in place either national  plans  or  projects  to promote  the  respect  of  gender  equality,  prevention  of  GBV  and  all  forms  of discrimination. Even though initiative exist in the education system and promoted by public institutions, little have  been  done  for  the  Vocational  Training  providers.  The  topic  of  violence  against  women  and  GBV should be included in the training of teaching staff and students.  At  present, corresponding  training  is  not  compulsory,  which  means  that participation  in  workshops  and  trainings  on violence due to gender depends on the individual interest and commitment of the training provider.