Comprehensive Sexuality Education for Gender-Based Violence Prevention

Overview of the book Specific scientific literature and international expert groups consider that the key to quality sexuality education must be based on multiple aspects: not only biological elements of sexuality but also emotional, social, and cultural elements of human relationships (European Expert Group on Sexuality Education, 2016). When implemented from this framework, sexuality education becomes a powerful tool to fight against gender-based violence (UNESCO, 2018), whose global figures show that 27 % of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, or both, from their partner. Figures also reveal that this violence starts early, with 24 % of girls and young women aged 15-19 and 26 % of women aged 19-24 having undergone violence at least once since the age of 15 (Sardinha et al., 2022). Considering these, authors in the field suggest the need for effective multi-sectoral interventions due to the limited scope of the international agenda for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular SDG 5.2 (Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation).

Bearing all this in mind, this co-edited book aims to contribute to the relationship between comprehensive sexuality education and the prevention of gender-based violence among young people (UNESCO, 2023). Moreover, it highlights the urgent need to equip young people with a deep understanding of sexuality, gender and healthy relationships to combat discrimination and violence (Silvério Marques et al., 2017). Following a multidisciplinary and international approach, it examines how comprehensive sexuality education can dismantle stereotypes and promote empathy, providing young people with skills to identify and challenge harmful behaviors (Zhang & Yuan, 2023). In addition, the importance of addressing sexuality in the digital realm is emphasized and strategies for navigating healthily in a technological world and counteracting the negative influence of content such as pornography are presented (Evans-Paulson et al., 2023). The book’s chapters delve into multiple critical areas: the integration of inclusive curricula in schools, the crucial role of families in young people’s sexuality education, and the collaboration between activists, schools and education stakeholders to strengthen the prevention of gender-based violence.

Impact of the book

Target audience The potential reach of a book on this subject is broad, as it addresses issues that are fundamental to the education and well-being of individuals and society in general. It presents itself as an essential resource for multiple audiences: (1) Researchers can use it not only as a source of knowledge but also as an impetus for further enquiry. (2) Teachers, from kindergarten to university, can use it to enrich their program or didactic proposals, integrating gender and sex education issues. (3) Physical and mental health professionals can benefit from understanding the confluence between education, sexuality and violence. (4) Social workers, who often deal with cases of violence, will discover in this book how education can be a proactive measure. (5) Those responsible for teacher training in various contexts can adapt their programs to include these crucial issues.