Let’s talk about sexual violence: involving young people in preventative peer education

This chapter explores the role of youth participation in sexual violence prevention. It builds on C. Cody's work by introducing hitherto unpublished data from 'Our Voices', a pan-European initiative promoting youth participation in sexual violence prevention across Europe. The 'Our Voices' findings demonstrate that a limited understanding of issues surrounding sexual violence was compounded by the 'victim-blaming' mentality reported to exist in places. The chapter highlights issues of terminology and explores the need for educative work around sexual violence. Recognising the relatively limited degree to which young people with experience of sexual violence have been given the opportunity to engage in participatory initiatives, it considers the benefits that such an opportunity can offer young people, particularly those with experiences of sexual violence themselves. Youth advocates also pointed to a dearth of information and resources on sexual violence prevention and victim support in schools, families and communities.