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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Stephanie R. Hawkins, PhD¹, Antonio Morgan-Lopez, PhD¹, Deborah A. Gibbs, MSPH¹, Monique Clinton-Sherrod, PhD¹, and Rita Noonan, PhD². (1) Center for Crime, Violence, and Justice Research, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 919 485-4723, hawkins@rti.org, (2) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control- Division of Violence Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop K-60, Atlanta, GA 30341

Purpose - To describe the changes in knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors on topics related to masculinity and sexual violence after participating in Men of Strength (MOST) clubs in Washington DC and California

Methods - Data collection includes a pre and post survey examining the participant's knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors on topics related to masculinity and sexual violence; a participant assessment administered midway through the MOST Club sessions; and focus groups with select MOST Club members.

Results - The young men participating in the MOST Club ranged in age from 14 to 19 years of age. There were a total of 11 MOST clubs (5 in Washington DC and 6 in California) with young men of African American, Hispanic, White, and Asian origin. Preliminary results show young men participating in the MOST club showed an increased likelihood of intervening in situations where a woman was being victimized. Multiple regression analyses also predicted the circumstances under which young men were likely to intervene in situations that are potentially harmful for women.

Conclusions - Men of Strength clubs challenge traditional views of masculinity in an effort to make young men aware that they can and should be allies in preventing men's violence against women and girls. Preliminary results suggest the young men participating in the MOST clubs made significant positive changes in their knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors as it relates to sexual violence prevention.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to

• Identify the types of changes experienced by the young men participating in the MOST clubs
• Discuss some of the challenges young men face with sexual violence prevention efforts
• Recognize the benefits of implementing a MOST club

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered