Web resource:	http://www.sexualethics.org.au/Publications/Preventing-adult-sexual-violence-through-education.pdf
Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Preventing adult sexual violence through education?
Other Titles:	Current issues in criminal justice
Authors:	Carmody, Moira
Keywords:	Prevention;Sexual assault
Categories:	Prevention
Year:	2006
Publisher:	University of Sydney, Institute of Criminology
Citation:	18 (2), 2006
Notes:	General Overview: This paper reviews current research on the effectiveness of sexual assault prevention education programs in Australia and the United States, and makes suggestions for the content of future education programs. Discussion: The United States Federal Government has funded rape prevention efforts on college campus. Most of these programs focus on teaching women to manage the risk of rape or dangerous situations. Evaluations have shown that the programs produce only small and short term attitude change, and there has been no evidence that they reduce the incidence of sexual assault. Similarly, in 1997 the Australian Federal Government funded domestic violence and sexual assault prevention workshops for 13 500 young people. The evaluation methods were inconsistent and focussed on awareness raising rather than the incidence of sexual assault. The paper raises concerns that these approaches also reinforce sexist stereotypes by casting men as dangerous and women as passive non-sexual subjects. The desires of young women are ignored or, worse, seen as irresponsible. Some more recent projects, such as Men Against Violence and Mentors in Violence Prevention (both in the United States) have actively involved men in programs that challenge cultural norms of male violence. These programs avoid focussing on men as potential perpetrators but build their skills as active bystanders who can intervene in and prevent violence. There is some evidence that these programs lead to long term attitude and behaviour change. Men Against Sexual Assault (an Australian program) also challenges individual and community perceptions of sexual assault and masculinity. The paper argues that as sexual assault is usually committed by a known person such as a boyfriend, husband or de facto, relative or friend, then prevention strategies should encourage negotiation of consensual, reciprocal and mutually pleasurable relations. This approach would avoid the heterosexism found in most current prevention efforts which avoid discussion of same sex relationships. The author also endorses approaches that encourage social groups and communities to take responsibility for preventing sexual violence.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/16309
ISSN:	1034-5329
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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