Working Towards More Effective Sexual Violence Prevention Programming for Young Men in Canada
Abstract
Although extant literature underscores the importance of addressing men’s risk for sexual violence perpetration, there is limited research examining sexual violence prevention programs for young men in Canada. Using community-based, mixed-method research and a clinical logic model, this study involved the development and application of an evaluation mechanism for a sexual violence prevention program for young men, Man|Made. Triangulation of survey data (n = 43 pre-program and n = 21 post-program) and qualitative interviews of program participants (n = 5) and facilitators (n = 6) highlighted some promising findings related to changes in men’s consent knowledge, acknowledgement of past harm, consideration of the impact of actions, and pressure to adhere to gendered scripts within interpersonal relationships. Little to no differences were observed in men’s rape myth acceptance, masculine gender role stress, sexual communication self-efficacy, sexual double standards, and bystander attitudes. Limitations and future clinical and research directions are discussed.