Combating gender-based violence among youth through the use of Artificial Intelligence.
Context
New technological tools have been developed in the last decade, unfortunately bringing with them the diffusion of the phenomenon of gender-based violence (GBV) in, in particular stalking, sexual harassment dating violence and online grooming among youth. The SHIELD project seeks to address gender-based violence through innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) based solutions, to respond to the need for specific support for young people at risk of GBV, aiming at enhancing detection and intervention strategies. By empowering youth workers with digital tools and resources, the project aims to foster safer environments, improve GBV awareness, and influence policy at national and European levels for sustainable change.
Objectives
- To improve the detection of GBV among youth (16-25 years old) through the creation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven tools capable of identifying risk factors of GBV, specifically harassment, stalking, teenager dating violence and online grooming.
- To create a supportive and safer online and offline space where young people can learn, discuss, and seek help regarding issues related to GBV.
- To improve the knowledge of youth workers and equip them with high quality tools and training to effectively support young people facing GBV.
- To deliver AI-driven learning modules for the purpose of raising awareness of the overall civil society on the topic of GBV.
- To promote national and European dialogue on the adoption of AI solutions to fight against GBV among youth.
- To increase awareness of ethical AI practices to enhance prevention and intervention strategies for GBV among young people.
Activities
- Research on the ethical application of AI in the field of prevention of GBV.
- Creation and testing of an interactive Training and Awareness Platform aimed at youth workers dedicated to addressing GBV.
- Development and piloting of an AI-driven chatbot to identify GBV risks.
- Awareness campaigns targeting youths and educators
- National and International Multiplier events.
Resources
- Academic review report on the ethical application of AI in the field of prevention of GBV
- Interactive Training and Awareness Platform
- AI-based app and chatbot
Impact
- General improved capability of detection and Prevention of GBV through the SHIELD chatbot
- Improved knowledge and skills of the 490 youth workers in preventing and contrasting GBV and the use of innovative technology in the process.
- Safer and more supportive online spaces created for young people.
- Improved the level of awareness within the overall civil society and the major stakeholder on the topic of GBV in general and in specific on AI based technology can contribute to its contrast.
- Policymakers at national and EU level will be more aware and open to AI adoption in GBV prevention.
- Improved AI skills and ethical awareness among educators, parents, counsellors, and policymakers.
Partners
- Giosef (Italy, coordinator)
- University of Oldenburg (Germany)
- University of Alicante (Spain)
- BIRA – UPV (Spain)
- KMOP (Greece)
- CESIE ETS (Italy)
- DFW2W (Netherlands)
