Pathways to prevention

Preventing violence against women and in particular sexual assault is a major challenge for everyone in the community, not just women. If the challenge is taken up by both men and women with equal commitment, and is seen as a priority by government, community groups, schools and families, we can reduce the level of violence in society and make the world a safer and more humane place for everyone.

When a person experiences violence and sexual assault, their sense of self worth and capacity to form healthy relationships can be destroyed, and the consequences can resonate for their whole lives and for the next generation.

A wide debate is essential - in the media and in the community at large - about a perceived culture of disrespect for women in the wider Australian culture. Recent allegations of rape made against members of several rugby league teams have generated a new and wider debate about the attitudes of men particularly in the fraternity of sporting clubs.

Karen Willis from the NSW Rape Crisis Centre says that wide media coverage of sexual assault cases encourages more women to come forward and talk about sexual assault and report the crime.

"Every time there is a high profile debate in the media around sexual violence another group of women come forward," Ms Willis told ABC Radio's Angela Catterns.(ABC 702 Sydney 18.03.04)

There are many reasons why more survivors are encouraged to speak out. For some emotions and memories are stirred up as they are bombarded with news and they feel it is now time to talk about it, even if it is anonymously on a counselling line. Others are encouraged by the debate and see a real chance to be heard and believed.

"For some women, it's making that decision that this has had a big impact on my life and now I want to say something about it. For others, it's a feeling of ‘finally, this is being talked about”.

There are many levels to prevention. Sexual violence is most often perpetrated within relationships or by someone you know. The following strategies can help prevent violence and abuse: (from the federal government’s booklet entitled Violence Against Women: Australia says No):

A healthy relationship is based on respect and does not include fear and intimidation. Examine your relationship for possessiveness, jealousy, humiliation or threats. These can be indications of possible violence.
Physical violence within a relationship is not OK and forcing someone to have sex when they don’t want to is a criminal offence.
Respect for women and young girls begins within the family and can be nurtured by community groups and activities. Calling a girl a “slut” or a “whore” is disrespectful and demeaning and can create the expectation in young men that girls are ‘available’ and sex is some kind of recreational activity to which they are entitled. Parents, schools and community and sporting leaders can help young men develop an understanding of acceptable behaviour, self respect and respect for women.
Young women can support each other in social settings, especially when alcohol or drugs are involved. Look out for your friends and ensure that you and your friends make safe choices.

There are a range of support networks and organisations to help people affected by violence and sexual assault. Links to help agencies

Men are beginning to play a leading role in preventing violence towards women. In South Africa several men’s groups have formed to confront the issue of violence towards women and children. The spokesman for The South African men’s Forum says:

“It’s not only a South African issue, it’s a worldwide phenomenon. The sooner all men realise the importance of their involvement, the better.” (Read more...)

In Australia an increasing number of men’s groups are forming to deal with a range of issues from men’s health, to rites of passage and a more balanced and integrated way of operating within society. One such group is Pathways to Manhood.

Pathways to Manhood aims to address the principal that an appropriate and facilitated rite of passage is fundamental to the evolution from boyhood to manhood. For want of a smooth, caring and meaningful transition to manhood many teenaged boys are lacking in motivation and direction and often create their own 'rites of passage' by undertaking high risk behaviours such as drugs or fast cars.

Teenaged boys need a range of adult men as role models, confidants, mentors, heroes, and friends who will journey with them as they develop their male identity and thus grow into balanced integrated men themselves. This journeying allows a boy to develop a healthy relationship with himself, his family, and his community.
The Pathways to Manhood program is designed to reintroduce younger and older men to the concept and experience of belonging to a healthy community of men which can then in turn contribute towards rebuilding a healthier, safer and more loving society of men, women and children.

Find out more...

South African response

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