Boys’ attitude towards violence against women they are in a relationship with could improve by understanding the positive aspects of masculinity, researchers suggested. AdvertisingAs part of a recent study conducted in the United States, a programme aimed at reducing violence against women and girls by focusing on positive expressions of masculinity changed the attitudes of middle school boys who may have been prone to harassment and dating violence as they got older. The findings, published in Children and Youth Services Review, suggest the pilot program, ‘Reducing Sexism and Violence Program – Middle School Program (RSVP-MSP)’, improved attitudes related to the use of coercion and violence in relationships. It also found that the program, geared towards middle school boys, changed beliefs that violence, including harassment and sexual and dating violence, was acceptable. “By focusing on positive expressions of masculinity, such as the ability to be respectful in relationships, this program helps boys find positive ways to prevent violence and to cope with violence to which they may already have been exposed,” Banyard said.

Source: Indian Express May 28, 2019 07:52 UTC