Engaging Boys in Prevention: Why Boys and Men Are Essential to Stopping Abuse
The Problem with Leaving Boys Out
Many prevention programs focus only on girls and young women. While important, excluding boys means we miss opportunities to shift the norms and attitudes that enable abuse.
Redefining Masculinity
Gender norms that promote dominance, emotional stoicism, and control over others increase perpetration risk. Prevention requires redefining masculinity to include respect, emotional intelligence, and responsibility.
Boys Are Victims Too
Approximately 1 in 4-6 boys experience sexual abuse. Yet boys often don't disclose due to shame and masculine norms that discourage help-seeking. Including boys in prevention acknowledges their vulnerability.
The Multiplier Effect
When boys become prevention ambassadors, their influence extends to peers, families, and communities. Engaged boys drive cultural change.
What Works in Engaging Boys
Participatory learning, discussion of real scenarios, connecting prevention to values boys care about, and leadership opportunities work best.
Moving Forward
The next generation of prevention leaders must include boys. When we invest in boys as agents of respect and safety, everyone benefits.