You the man: theater as bystander education in dating violence

Abstract

Background:You the Man (YTM) is a theatrical production about Dating Violence (DV). This research sought the short- and long-term impact of YTM on students’ social norms, attitudes, and perceptions concerning DV, and students’ intentions and behavior when concerns of DV are noted. Methods: Pre and post-surveys were administered in 9th grades at three schools over three years. Cohorts repeated the post-survey annually and focus groups were held in years 2 and 3. Results: After the YTM intervention many students exhibited: 1) a better understanding of what constitutes DV, 2) an elevated perceptions of the seriousness of this issue, 3) recognition of the importance of bystander action to prevent DV, as well as to provide critical support to individuals experiencing such harm, and 4) increased awareness of what their options are, where to go for help, and how important it is that they do so. Conclusions: YTM was useful in addressing DV with measurable impact both immediately and over time.

Keywords:

• Dating violence
• theatre/er interventions
• bystander engagement

Notes

1. Electronic archive of Add Verb’s history is held by its founder and is being made available on line.

2. Professor Ann Taket, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria AUS <[email protected]>