Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global public health problem. Millions of young people are adversely affected each year. And the age of victimization continues to decline. But there are too few effective prevention programs. And when both victim and offender are young people, both face risks to healthy development. GBV causes both short- and long-term harm. Additionally, the current legal system or other punitive responses often perpetuate victim-blaming, minimize the problematic behavior, and leave the person harmed out of decision-making.

Addressing the problem more effectively with a person-centered restorative approach and focus on real healing is critical. Even if you are sure GBV is not occurring in your youth program, there are likely participants in your program that have experienced GBV. You need to know what to look for and how to respond. Your program needs to include policies and practices that focus on the needs of young people. You need to be proactively preventing GVB, protecting young people, and addressing harm.

This training will cover the basics of a restorative justice approach and the benefits and challenges of integrating it into gender-based violence prevention and response. You will learn how to be a stronger person-centered advocate while still adhering to your mandated reporter responsibilities.