ALCOHOL
When drinking, college men are likely to misjudge a women's sexual interest, care less about her experience, and are less able to evaluate accurately whether consent has been obtained. (Abbey, 2002)
Findings from a national study of young men reveal that traditional beliefs about manhood are associated with poor health behaviors, including drinking, drug use, and high risk sexual activity. (Courtenay, 1998)
Alcohol is involved in the majority of sexual assaults that occur to college women. In a study of 119 college campuses nearly three quarters of the rapes happened when the victims were so intoxicated they were unable to consent or refuse. (Harvard School of Public Health Alcohol study, 2004) 90% of acquaintance rapes involve alcohol. Alcohol is a factor in 100% of gang rapes
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Define your own manhood. Consider whether the connection between manhood and alcohol plays a role in creating unhealthy behavior. You should decide for yourselves how much you want to drink and what kind of man you want to be.
Understand the ability to consent. Alcohol and drugs can affect people's ability to decide whether they want to be sexual. If a person is drunk or high and can't give consent, back off and wait until you both are ready to enthusiastically say yes.
Talk it over. Communication in sexual situations requires minds unclouded by alcohol. Create a space to speak honestly about sex. Listen to your partner, state your desires openly, and ask your partner questions if a situation seems unclear.
Be a friend. You've heard of designated drivers. Use the same principal to prevent rape. At a party where there is alcohol, designate one guy among your group of friends to keep an eye on alcohol intake and whether any other guys might be acting in ways that could lead to sexual violence.
For more information on men's roles in preventing sexual violence go to:
