Bystander Education : Engaging Men in Sexual Assault Prevention

Abstract

Across college campuses, sexual assault takes place at startling rates, making sexual assault a critical public health problem. Schwartz and Dekeserdy's peer-support model of sexual assault among male college students posits that many all-male college social groups support the sexual objectification of women, the glorification of male dominance, and the rejection of femininity (as cited by Brown, 2010, p. 505-506). In past prevention programs, putting an end to sexual assault has been looked at as a woman's issue. Research findings indicate that male college students who believe rape myths are less likely to take action to prevent sexual assault (McMahon, 2010). Therefore, rape myth education is a key component of bystander prevention programs. The purpose of this study was to assess male college students' rape myth acceptance and willingness to intervene against sexual assault when in the bystander role. The study focused on men who were part of all-male social groups at UW-Eau Claire.