Abstract
Primary prevention interventions, often in the form of media campaigns, are frequently utilized in order to tackle sexual violence. However, many in the United Kingdom have been criticized for perpetuating victim-blaming, due to their focus on the behaviour of women. One notable exception is a Liverpool City Council Campaign, which targeted young men (aged 18–24) in a bid to reduce rates of alcohol-related rape. Drawing upon an assessment involving 41 male university students, this article generates original insights into the development and utilization of male-focused rape prevention interventions. As this analysis shows, the young men’s responses to the campaign involved negotiating discourses of sex, consent, rape, sexuality and gender – especially masculinity. While participants frequently drew upon stereotypes and misconceptions, moments of contestation and disruption emerged. We argue that interventions should concentrate upon masculinity and moments of disruption and contestation (possibly through the use of peer group discussions), in order to encourage critical reflections on gender and sexual violence and to potentially engender more ethical practices.
Highlights
Preventing sexual violence against women remains a critical issue for policy makers across the globe (WHO et al, 2014)
We argue that interventions should concentrate upon masculinity and moments of disruption and contestation, in order to encourage critical reflections on gender and sexual violence, and to potentially engender more ethical practices
There is a well-established link between intoxication and sexual offences, with data indicating that in at least 50% of rapes reported to the police alcohol had been consumed by either the victim and/or perpetrator (Abbey et al, 2004)
Summary
Preventing sexual violence against women remains a critical issue for policy makers across the globe (WHO et al, 2014). Recent statistics in England and Wales indicate that 19% of women have suffered a sexual assault since the age of 16 (ONS, 2016: 6). 16-24 year-olds are vulnerable to experiencing sexual offences (Felts et al, 2012), with female Higher Education (HE) students in England and Wales suffering significant levels of sexual harassment and assault (Universities UK (UUK), 2016). There is a well-established link between intoxication and sexual offences, with data indicating that in at least 50% of rapes reported to the police alcohol had been consumed by either the victim and/or perpetrator (Abbey et al, 2004). There is an ongoing need and governmental commitment to develop additional methods for reducing sexual violence (HM Government, 2016), with the use of primary prevention campaigns being one such approach (Stern, 2010)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
