Children should be taught about "healthy, respectful relationships" from a young age.
That is one of the key actions in a new Stormont framework on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG).
It also said young people should be involved in developing new relationships and sex education (RSE) for schools.
Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK without a specific EVAWG strategy at present.
The Stormont Executive first recommended a strategy should be developed to protect women and girls in Northern Ireland from violence in 2021.
The Executive Office has now published a "strategic framework" and initial action plan for consultation.
The aim of the framework is "a changed society where women and girls are free from all forms of gender-based violence, abuse and harm".
In her foreword to it, the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Jayne Brady, said ending violence against women and girls was "one of the most difficult challenges facing our society today".
