Abstract

There is now widespread agreement on the condemnation of male violence against women. However, this consensus does not necessarily translate into men’s active involvement in prevention. Indeed, when involved in prevention, men’s reactions range from openness to distancing, minimisation and defensiveness.

The project is based on the idea that these responses depend not only on individual characteristics, but also on the context and the way in which prevention is presented. The aim is to understand which personal, relational and social factors facilitate or hinder men’s involvement, and what role the characteristics of prevention initiatives play. An initial phase involves semi-structured interviews with men of different age groups and backgrounds, taking into account, for example, educational attainment, relationship status and whether they have daughters or sons. 

The interviews explore how men perceive their role in prevention and which aspects they believe may encourage or hinder their involvement. The findings are then examined in correlational studies to assess their association with different levels of involvement in prevention. The project also analyses the characteristics of messages aimed at men. In a series of experimental studies, participants are exposed to prevention content formulated in different ways, varying, for example, the emphasis placed on men’s responsibility or the way in which the issue of gender-based violence is presented. Their reactions are then assessed in terms of engagement, distancing from the issue and defensiveness, in order to understand which communication approaches promote or hinder engagement. 

From a practical perspective, these findings may contribute to the development of more effective prevention strategies for engaging men and minimising reactions of detachment and resistance.