Holding Space: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Gender & Gender-Based Violence

Across Europe, gender-based violence remains both widespread and underreported, with young people disproportionately affected. There is increasing concern about the normalisation of misogyny across social and digital spaces, including the growing influence of “manosphere” cultures that promote rigid gender norms, male entitlement, and hostility towards gender equality. These dynamics shape how young people understand identity, relationships, and power, and can contribute to the normalisation or justification of harmful behaviours, including gender-based violence.

This training equips youth workers with the skills and confidence to support young people through a trauma-informed approach. Participants will receive a certification in Trauma-Informed Awareness. The programme explores how trauma impacts behaviour, identity, and relationships, while responding to the current European context of rising gender-based violence and the influence of online misogyny.

Through interactive workshops, reflection, and peer learning, participants will gain practical tools to address gender, identity, and harmful behaviours, and to challenge harmful norms and stereotypes. The training supports youth workers in creating inclusive and respectful environments, helping young people navigate complex social and digital influences.

Participants will leave with a stronger toolkit, increased confidence, and a renewed commitment to promoting wellbeing, equality, and healthy relationships in their practice.

Objectives of the training:

• Create a safe space for dialogue on identity and gender-based violence.
• Understand trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and their impact on development, wellbeing, and behaviour.
• Identify indicators of trauma and its long-term effects on individuals, families, and communities
• Apply practical, trauma-informed approaches in youth work practice
• Strengthen resilience and support approaches that prevent re-traumatisation and promote healing
• Explore societal attitudes towards gender, violence, and power imbalances in relationships
• Promote healthy emotional expression, sources of support, and bystander intervention
• Share Irish practices and approaches to consent education and youth participation
• Identify transferable practices, challenges, and ethical considerations across European contexts
• Create space for European exchange on responsibility, boundaries, safeguarding, and empowerment

Who is this training for?
Participants working with young people (aged 13–30) in:

• Youth work and youth organisations
• European Solidarity Corps
• Schools and formal education
• Vocational Education and Training (VET)
• Sports and physical activity settings
• Adult education and lifelong learning

Methodology:
The training is highly participatory and grounded in non-formal learning approaches, including:

• Youth work methodologies
• Practice-based case studies
• Peer learning and exchange
• Facilitated dialogue and reflection
• Ethical and inclusive approaches to gender and gender-based violence

Expected outcomes:
Participants will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of gender, consent, and wellbeing
• Develop practical tools and approaches adaptable to their context
• Build European connections and partnerships
• Contribute to shared understanding and responsibility around consent and wellbeing
• Strengthen European cooperation in youth work practice