Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault Explores Bullying and Sexual Violence with Children and Adults Across the State
GNESA, in partnership with State of Georgia, plans to launch statewide campaign to prevent sexual harassment and violence among adolescents
Atlanta, GA (Vocus/PRWEB) January 14, 2011
Adolescent boys in Georgia could be sexually assaulting or sexually harassing adolescent girls and not even realize it. This was among a number of disturbing truths revealed during a statewide series of 22 focus groups and roundtable discussions with children and adults conducted in November and December by the nonprofit organization Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA).
Supported by the Georgia Division of Public Health, Sexual Violence Prevention Program and implemented in partnership with Georgia’s federally recognized Sexual Assault Coalition, the focus groups and roundtable discussions were the initial step in developing a statewide campaign to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence among adolescents. Campaign organizers expect the initiative will launch in 2011.
“As difficult as it is to believe, adolescent males sexually assault and sexually harass adolescent females in Georgia – it’s an unfortunate, disheartening reality,” says Jennifer Bivins, GNESA’s chief executive officer. “Many of our boys, however, don’t even realize the danger of this behavior because society has normalized seemingly trivial acts that, over time, could escalate into violence. The goal of our campaign is to reach and educate middle-school-age boys before they sexually harass or commit sexually violent behavior against girls.”
According to input from the focus groups and roundtable discussions – which included 11- to 14-year-old boys, as well as adults who regularly counsel, mentor or work with them – adolescent males often perceive touching or groping girls as innocent teasing, flirting or other socially acceptable behavior. While findings varied from community to community, several key patterns emerged:
Adolescent focus group participants believed bullying can lead to sexual harassment or sexual assault. Most participants believed bullying is psychological, whereas sexual assault and sexual harassment are physical – which could indicate they do not understand sexual harassment and sexual assault can result in psychological implications for victims.
Many young men believe that inappropriate touching of a female is not considered sexual harassment or sexual assault.
Echoing adolescent focus group participants, adults reported witnessing or hearing about instances of sexual harassment or sexual assault often occurring where children are congregated with minimal adult supervision – including school hallways; school playgrounds; school bathrooms; in school cafeterias; on school buses; and at football games in or underneath bleachers, while students are walking around, or behind physical structures, such as bathrooms.
Adults who work with children as their primary occupation – such as principals and teachers – were more likely to include inappropriate touching and groping of a sexual nature as “sexual assault.” Those who work with children as a part of a larger function were more likely to deem inappropriate touching and groping as “sexual harassment.” Regardless, the adult participants believe the issue is of nearly epidemic proportions in Georgia.
“While the results of our research indicate a misunderstanding of sexual assault among adolescent males across the state, GNESA is optimistic about the future,” Bivins says. “The key is early education to spur prevention. Parents, teachers and other adult influencers can make a difference just by talking about the issues.”
About The Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault
GNESA, founded in 1982, is a nonprofit coalition of sexual assault agencies and concerned individuals that share the common goal of ending sexual assault. GNESA performs technical assistance, professional training, media and marketing services as well as legislation support for sexual assault and women’s health and safety concerns. Current membership includes 23 rape crisis centers, several supporting organizations, and individual members. For more information, visit http://www. gnesa. org.
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