GEMA Gender, Masculinities and Gender-Based Violence
2024–2027 · Active project

ACT4LOVE

Promote ACTions to FOsteR healthy LOVing rElationships among teenagers

Visit the official project website

ACT4LOVE aims to prevent teen dating violence (TDV) and promote healthy, respectful and non-violent relationships among adolescents. Recognising that TDV is often reinforced by gender stereotypes, unequal power dynamics and harmful social norms, the project addresses the emotional and relational factors that shape young people’s experiences of intimacy and partnership.

The project adopts a school-based and participatory prevention approach, engaging teachers, students, families and the wider community. It strengthens educators’ capacity to address TDV, empowers adolescents by developing emotional and relational competencies, and promotes youth-led initiatives that challenge harmful norms and behaviours. Through innovative and gamified learning methods, ACT4LOVE supports the creation of safe, inclusive and supportive educational environments.

Why it matters — ACT4LOVE

Experiences of dating violence during adolescence can have lasting consequences for emotional well-being, self-esteem and future relationships. By addressing harmful norms and power imbalances early, and by equipping young people and educators with the skills to recognise and prevent violence, the project contributes to breaking cycles of abuse and fostering healthier relationship patterns from a young age.

Core Objectives

  1. Prevent teen dating violence and promote respectful, non-violent relationships.
  2. Strengthen teachers’ and educators’ capacity to support students’ emotional and relational development.
  3. Promote healthy masculinities and challenge harmful gender norms and behaviours.
  4. Increase awareness and knowledge of TDV among students, educators and stakeholders.
  5. Empower adolescents to become agents of change through peer-led prevention initiatives.

Key Actions

  • Capacity-building training and toolbox for teachers and educators.
  • Development of a gamified educational programme on healthy relationships for adolescents.
  • Youth-led initiatives and peer education to challenge harmful norms and behaviours.
  • Awareness-raising campaigns targeting schools, families and wider society.
  • Engagement of multiple stakeholders including educators, youth, families and policymakers.

Outputs

Materials produced by the project. Where a public link is available it is included below.

ACT4LOVE ToolboxPDF ACT4LOVE Survey ResultsPDF

New outputs coming soon.

Partners

WWP EN – European Network for the Work with Perpetrators of Domestic Violence WWP EN – European Network for the Work with Perpetrators of Domestic Violence Germany

The full consortium is listed on the project’s official website.

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