When we talk about preventing sexual violence, there is a question we often return to: What works? It is an important question. We need good evidence. We need interventions that have been properly evaluated. We need to understand what changes behaviour, challenges harmful social norms and creates environments in which sexual violence is less likely … Continue reading We Know What Works. So Why Don’t We Do What Works?
The Heroic Imagination: Why Waiting for Heroes Is Not Enough
In the days, weeks and months after my dad’s suicide in 2008, one question kept me awake at night. Could I have said something that might have helped? Looking back, I was unprepared for dealing with someone struggling with his mental health. If there is a central theme to my work now it is the … Continue reading The Heroic Imagination: Why Waiting for Heroes Is Not Enough
Scotland Needs to Fall Back in Love with Prevention
Every time a young life is lost to knife violence, Scotland asks itself the same question: who’s responsible? how did we get here? Politicians will debate whether we’re too soft on crime and radio chat show hosts will ask the questions that they have previously asked and will ask again unless we think differently. The … Continue reading Scotland Needs to Fall Back in Love with Prevention
Friends don’t let friends – the role of friends in preventing violence
Looking at an issue through a bystander lens provides another insight into a problem. When we think differently we help provide new ways to address the problem. To think differently we must first see differently. These last weeks the Netflix series Adolescence has raised much needed discussions on boys and men in society. Discussed on … Continue reading Friends don’t let friends – the role of friends in preventing violence
