Expanding Coaching Boys Into Men

Abstract

It is no secreet that sexual violence is ubiquitous on college campuses. Several universities have implemented a program to educate young men on the impacts of these crimes as well as ways to be effective bystanders. Effective bystander training increases “students’ perceived knowledge, self-efficacy and perceived benefits to helping in an alcohol-related emergency.” Despite this, many students decline university-provided bystander training and sexual violence prevention workshops. One of the largest barriers to students attending and participating in such workshops is often their preconceived notions that this is not an issue for them. The students in Public Health Theories and Practice (PH 333) completed a literature review of 28 academic articles to gain better understanding and awareness of sexual violence on college campuses. Upon completing this research, students identified available resources that provide services in the community of Helena, Montana. To increase student education and awareness regarding sexual violence and victim services, students in PH 333 devloped a plan to reach male student-athletes. By implementing the Coaching Boys into Men program, male athletes on campus will be educated on sexual assault prevention along with bystander training using discussions led by trained professionals. This program has been implemented by the football team, but we will aim to create additional trainings in order to develop a new culture of sexual assault awareness, prevention, and response on the entire campus of Carroll College.