How to tackle sexual assault on campuses – without the lectures
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Focus on men
Rape prevention advice largely focuses on women, who are disproportionately sexually victimised (although it's important to know that men on campus are also often victims of sexual assault, and experience similar shame and stigma). Working with men to break down stereotypes about rape victims – that women regularly lie about being raped, that acquaintance rape is simply a "she didn't say no and he misunderstood" situation, that a woman's behaviour is partially to blame – is a good first step.
More important, though, is giving men the tools to intervene when they see other men exhibiting predatory behaviour. We know that men who rape on campus are often serial rapists, and intentionally target women who either seem vulnerable or can be easily incapacitated through alcohol, force or some combination of the two. The best way to stop a potential rapist? Intercept him. And men can do just that if they see a friend or acquaintance pushing women's boundaries or clearly seeking out women who seem vulnerable.
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