Abstract
The first purpose of this Issues paper is to consider the historical shifts that have occurred as a result of 1970s feminist campaigns that challenged the silence about the privatised nature of sexual assault: these shifts have been central to how the goal of prevention is understood. This paper begins by tracing some of the key theoretical and conceptual shifts that have occurred in the goal to prevent sexual assault. The first section explores the evolution of ideas in how to prevent sexual assault. I trace the role of feminist campaigns in gaining public recognition of the issue, the strategies used and the theoretical ideas that informed these developments. I then consider local, national and international frameworks that promote multisectoral responses to sexual assault. This is a critical discussion and explores several questions: How effective are the strategies that we are using? What are some of the unintended consequences of theoretical approaches, policy and practice initiatives? What can we learn from these discussions to improve the likelihood of preventing sexual assault? The second purpose is to explore how sexual assault prevention education is a key strategy for preventing sexual violence. This will be explored by considering both Australian and international experiences of sexual assault prevention education and examining the theoretical shifts that are occurring. The discussion throughout the paper is illuminated by examples of research evidence, concerning prevention programs and other activities, to demonstrate current understandings about what works and what doesn’t. Specifically, this paper considers: the focus on “healthy relationships†in prevention education; rape avoidance programs that centre on women as the site for managing risk and prevention; awareness of impacts and human rights; and the role of men in prevention. I also consider sexual assault education as a means of violence prevention and draw on my own research into sexuality education. The final section of this paper considers some of the policy and practice challenges we face to progress the development of sexual assault prevention education.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-19 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | ACSSA Issues |
Volume | 10 |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- community education
- prevention
- rape
- sex crimes
- violence against
- women