Emotional Respectful Men: 9 Step for Action

Emotional Respectful Men: educating young men to prevent violence against women

Violence against women is one of the most obvious manifestations of gender inequalities and power dynamics rooted in social and cultural structures.

It is a global problem that manifests itself in multiple forms: physical, psychological, sexual and economic violence.

To effectively address this phenomenon, it is not enough to act on its consequences; it is necessary to act on the root causes, promoting a culture of respect and empathy.

One of the most promising approaches is the training of young men capable of understanding and expressing their emotions, building relationships based on equality and consensus.

These young men, called Emotional Respectful Men, can become agents of change in a society that still struggles to overcome gender stereotypes.

The role of contemporary psychology

Contemporary psychology plays a key role in the prevention of gender-based violence, focusing on strategies that aim to change beliefs, behaviour and social norms.

1. Development of emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a fundamental competence for healthy and respectful relationships. It includes:

• Emotional awareness: helping children to identify and understand their emotions.
• Emotional regulation: teaching strategies for managing feelings of anger or frustration without resorting to aggressive behaviour.
• Empathy: promoting the ability to put oneself in the shoes of others, understanding their feelings and perspectives.

Psychological and educational paths based on emotional intelligence can significantly reduce the risk of violent behaviour.

2. Deconstructing gender stereotypes

Traditional gender stereotypes promote an image of masculinity associated with strength, dominance and emotional suppression. Psychology helps to deconstruct these patterns through:

• Reflection workshops: safe spaces where young people can explore their own beliefs about masculinity.
• Alternative narratives: promoting positive models of masculinity, including vulnerability, empathy and collaboration.

3. Integrated sex education

Sex education must go beyond biology, addressing topics such as:

• Consent: teaching that every relationship requires the free and mutual agreement of the parties.
• Power in relationships: making children aware of the dynamics of control and the importance of respect.
• Prevention of abuse: providing tools to recognise and prevent coercive behaviour.

4. Community-based preventive interventions

Preventive initiatives are most effective when they involve entire communities. This includes:

• School programmes: courses and activities that promote respect and equality.
• Collaboration with local organisations: to spread positive messages and combat the culture of violence.
• Awareness-raising campaigns: using traditional and digital media to reach a wide audience.

Proposals for effective sentimental and sexual education

To foster the education of respectful young men, concrete actions need to be implemented:

5. Sentimental education courses in schools (see also ITALY NEEDS SEX EDUCATION).

These courses should be an integral part of the curriculum and focus on:

• The healthy expression of emotions.
• The management of conflicts in a non-violent manner.
• The promotion of respectful dialogue in relationships.

6. Workshops on consent and healthy relationships

Through simulations and role-playing, children can experience complex situations and learn to

• Recognise their own limits and those of others.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully.
• Act empathetically in relationships.

7. Family involvement

Families play a crucial role in shaping young people’s values. In this sense, it is useful:

• Provide tools for parents to deal with difficult conversations.
• Promote an educational style based on listening and respect.
• Raising awareness of signs of distress or aggressive behaviour in children.

8. Using media to raise awareness

Digital platforms can amplify the educational message through:

• Videos and interactive content that promote positive models of masculinity.
• Social campaigns that reach young men in the digital contexts they frequent.
• Collaborations with influencers and public figures to give greater visibility to messages of respect and equality.

9. Collaboration with male influencers

Teachers, coaches and community leaders can act as positive role models, demonstrating that masculinity and empathy are not incompatible.

Psychology’s contribution to prevention

Psychology offers tools and methodologies to promote cultural and individual change. These include:

• CBT interventions: to change dysfunctional thought patterns related to toxic beliefs about masculinity.
• Community psychology: to develop programmes involving entire social networks.
• Training of educators: to provide skills to deal with sensitive issues and to promote positive change in young people.

A psychological vision of change

The concept of Emotional Respectful Men represents an evolutionary vision of gender relations, which aims not only to prevent violence against women but also to promote a society based on values such as empathy, respect and equality.

A psychologist, working in this field, interprets this transformation as a long-term educational and cultural mission.

Change is not immediate, but passes through systematic work involving both the individual and collective levels.

The role of the psychologist in the change process

Psychologists, thanks to their training and expertise, play a crucial role in this process. Their work takes place on several levels:

1. Education in emotional intelligence
2. Through targeted programmes, psychologists teach young men to recognise, understand and manage their emotions. This not only helps prevent aggressive behaviour, but also encourages the development of more authentic and respectful relationships.
3. Deconstructing gender stereotypes
4. Many violent behaviours stem from dysfunctional cultural models that associate masculinity with strength, dominance and the absence of vulnerability. Psychologists work to challenge these narratives by promoting an inclusive and collaborative masculinity.
5. Promoting healthy relationships
6. Psychology provides practical tools to build relationships based on mutual respect. This includes education on consent, conflict management and communication skills, which are key to preventing abusive dynamics.
7. Preventive and supportive interventions
8. Through activities in schools, communities and family settings, psychologists help create cultural environments that support respect and condemn violence. They also offer therapeutic support to those who show signs of distress or difficulty in managing their emotions and relationships.

The need for collective commitment

A psychologist understands that individual change is not enough without adequate social and cultural support. For this reason, he emphasises the importance of a collective commitment involving

• Schools, as privileged places for systematic education.
• Families, to promote a home environment that supports respectful behaviour.
• Media and institutions, to spread positive messages and combat toxic narratives.
• Positive male role models, who can influence young people by example.

Building a culture of respect

Change towards a culture based on empathy and equality takes time, patience and perseverance. A psychologist works with the knowledge that every intervention, no matter how small, can have a significant impact. Educating young men to be Emotional Respectful Men means investing in a generation capable of establishing respectful relationships, contributing to building a more equal society.

Psychology, with its tools and expertise, not only supports this process, but also guides it, proposing innovative strategies and collaborating with all parties involved to achieve a common goal: a world free of gender-based violence.