Reclaim the Night aim #2
Educate to prevent sexual violence
Sexual violence, particularly rape, is very misunderstood. We need to bust the myths and assumptions which can make it difficult for victims to seek help or be believed. A recent Amnesty survey found that a third of respondents considered women to be at least partially to blame for rape if they had been drinking, flirting or were dressed sexily. The low conviction rate of rape cases is often explained away by an assumption that women "cry rape", falsely accusing men out of malice. In actual fact false reports of rape make up only 3% of allegations, no more than for any other crime. Blame is a particularly misunderstood issue and educating to end the tendency to blame victims will help people to seek help and encourage the reporting of assaults.
Understanding the nature and impact of sexual violence helps people to recognise the damage caused abusive behaviours. Verbal abuse or domestic violence are behaviours typically excused away, but by educating on the different forms of sexual violence we can help people to understand that it is unacceptable behaviour and should not be tolerated. Raising awareness also helps people locate and access services, which is particularly useful for male and ethnic minority victims.
We believe that by educating young people about safe and respectful relationships we can help prevent the behaviours which lead to sexual violence. We want to support teachers and schools to raise awareness of young people about respectful relationships and safe, consensual sex.
The QCA guidance on Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) contains approved modules for key stages 3 and 4. At the moment the only statuatory sex education is the science of human reproduction, so teaching of these issues is often omitted. The National Children's Bureau recommends that more should be done to help young people understand about sex and relationships. Their campaign Beyond Biology seeks to help young people prepare for the issues they will face as they grow up.
In 2010 Personal, social and health education (PSHE) became statutory in secondary schools. In 2011 Sex and relationships education (SRE) becomes statutory.
Actions:If you are a parent, teacher or student you can ask your school to consider the QCA modules above. There is also an excellent educational toolkit compiled by Women's Aid aimed at helping young people from primary school age up to college students understand issues such as domestic violence and child abuse. A model letter to schools can be downloaded here.
Educate to prevent sexual violence
Sexual violence, particularly rape, is very misunderstood. We need to bust the myths and assumptions which can make it difficult for victims to seek help or be believed. A recent Amnesty survey found that a third of respondents considered women to be at least partially to blame for rape if they had been drinking, flirting or were dressed sexily. The low conviction rate of rape cases is often explained away by an assumption that women "cry rape", falsely accusing men out of malice. In actual fact false reports of rape make up only 3% of allegations, no more than for any other crime. Blame is a particularly misunderstood issue and educating to end the tendency to blame victims will help people to seek help and encourage the reporting of assaults.
Understanding the nature and impact of sexual violence helps people to recognise the damage caused abusive behaviours. Verbal abuse or domestic violence are behaviours typically excused away, but by educating on the different forms of sexual violence we can help people to understand that it is unacceptable behaviour and should not be tolerated. Raising awareness also helps people locate and access services, which is particularly useful for male and ethnic minority victims.
We believe that by educating young people about safe and respectful relationships we can help prevent the behaviours which lead to sexual violence. We want to support teachers and schools to raise awareness of young people about respectful relationships and safe, consensual sex.
The QCA guidance on Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) contains approved modules for key stages 3 and 4. At the moment the only statuatory sex education is the science of human reproduction, so teaching of these issues is often omitted. The National Children's Bureau recommends that more should be done to help young people understand about sex and relationships. Their campaign Beyond Biology seeks to help young people prepare for the issues they will face as they grow up.
In 2010 Personal, social and health education (PSHE) became statutory in secondary schools. In 2011 Sex and relationships education (SRE) becomes statutory.
Actions:If you are a parent, teacher or student you can ask your school to consider the QCA modules above. There is also an excellent educational toolkit compiled by Women's Aid aimed at helping young people from primary school age up to college students understand issues such as domestic violence and child abuse. A model letter to schools can be downloaded here.
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