Often gender violence does not manifest itself with extreme actions, but is hidden in phrases, gestures and behaviors that seem harmless, but which in reality are the first signs of abuse that grows silently. It is precisely for this reason that, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the distribution of the “Violenzometer” in high schools began in Palermo.
It is nothing more than a special bookmark that helps young people to recognize those small but dangerous signs of violence that characterize the daily life of too many relationships.
This initiative, promoted by InformaGiovani ETS in collaboration with the international network IGNet and supported by the European Union, aims to raise young people’s awareness of the phenomenon, of which feminicide is only the tip of the most extreme iceberg. The “Violenzometer”, initially conceived in Latin America and now also adopted in Europe, presents itself as a practical bookmark that helps to recognize the different forms of violence. From contempt of opinions to control of relationships, from threats to actual physical violence, the tool allows you to identify warning signs that are often ignored.
“Often, when you’re in a relationship, you tend to normalize certain behaviors that aren’t actually normal at all. This tool makes you stop for a moment and reflect: ‘is it right for me to accept all this? Growing up doesn’t mean suffering” says Matilda, a high school student, underlining the importance of not justifying certain behaviors.
An awareness tool distributed in 20 European countries
The “Violenzometer” is not limited to Palermo: thanks to the European network IGNet, coordinated by InformaGiovani, the instrument will be translated and distributed in 20 countries of the European Union. Stefania Dagnino, from InformaGiovani, explains that working with young people has revealed how difficult it is to distinguish love from violence. “We often see young people who confuse pathological jealousy with passion, or obsessive control with attention. For this reason, bringing this tool into schools is a concrete invitation to talk, discuss and break the silence that often accompanies these situations.”
A fundamental role in this process is that of teachers. Professor Mauro Dagnino of the Margherita Institute underlines that as educators they have the responsibility to teach children that true love does not humiliate, does not isolate and does not hurt: “Too often, harmful behaviors such as ‘girlishness’ are minimized, but we must be clear: these are warning signs that we cannot ignore. We teachers must be the first to not turn our heads the other way, to create safe listening spaces where students can talk about what they experience.”
The diffusion of the “Violenzometro” began today at the Liceo Galilei and the Istituto Margherita, and will continue in the coming weeks in other schools in the province. To consolidate their daily commitment to prevention, schools can request a banner to be permanently displayed in their spaces. In addition to physical distribution, the “Violenzometro” is available online on the InformaGiovani website, where it can be downloaded and customized for free by all organizations wishing to promote a culture of respect and prevention.
