EXTERNALLY FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS
Shame as a Transformative Tool: Constructing Shame for Ethical Mobilisation in Sexual Violence Primary Prevention
Background
Shame is a significant emotional, relational and systemic force in both the perpetration and experience of sexual violence. While it has been explored in response, intervention, and particularly treatment contexts with individuals who have used sexual violence, its potential within primary prevention remains under-theorised. Current approaches often overlook the structural, relational and socio-cultural dynamics that underpin perpetration, resulting in interventions that fail to address the root causes of sexual violence.
Aim
This project critically investigates how constructions of shame can inform sexual violence primary prevention strategies. The research spans two original study phases: (1) qualitative interviews with young men aged 18-30 who have used sexual violence to understand their constructions of shame, and (2) forum with practitioners to translate research findings about shame into practical primary prevention strategies. Through these interconnected streams, the project aims to contribute to transformative approaches to sexual violence prevention that engage with shame through a critical, nuanced and contextual analysis.
Methods
The project involves a two-part original study. It involves conducting in-depth life story interviews with elements of narrative inquiry with young men who have used sexual violence. This approach seeks to explore how shame is constructed, experienced and evolves across the lifespan of cisgender heterosexual men aged 18-30 who have used sexual violence. Following the interviews, the researchers will be conducting a World Café-style forum with sexual violence sector workers. The forum is designed to integrate practitioner expertise and critically examine how findings from earlier phases could inform prevention approaches.