Using Freire's Work to Develop Social Justice Centered Prevention Efforts

During the 2010 National Sexual Assault Conference, which took place in Hollywood Sept. 1-3, 2010there were more than 80 workshops. The largest track was the Prevention Track sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Workshop Title: Using Freire’s Work to Develop Social Justice Centered Prevention Efforts

Presenters: Kelly Parsley, Carroll College

Description: Most behavior change theories depict a subject-action-consequence model. For example, if I don?t wear my seat belt, I may have negative consequences (horrible injuries); therefore, I?ll wear my seat belt. The world of sexual violence, however, exists outside this pattern. Those who perpetrate often have few or no negative consequences for their actions, and, indeed, there is often much to be gained (e.g., peer approval, dominance). If perpetrators regularly receive positive consequences for their violent behavior, then what theory might work to prevent this crime? One model that can be effective for primary prevention of sexual violence is Paulo Freire?s Theory of Freeing. His model liberates people from biases, allowing them to choose different actions. By freeing potential perpetrators from peer pressure and a world that condones criminal behavior, we free them from oppression that suggests violence and dominance is the only way to be “a real man.”

Materials:

• Slides [PDF]

To view a complete list of workshops, speakers and information related to the 2010 National Sexual Assault Conference, click here.