How 274 red flags changed perceptions of sexual violence in a university campus

Hills, P J, McAlaney, John, Wignall, Liam and Skinner, Rachel (2020) How 274 red flags changed perceptions of sexual violence in a university campus.

The current study aimed to create and evaluate a sexual violence campaign based on developments from issues with previous campaigns. A quasi-experimental design assessed the Red Flag Campaign (in which members of the student community plant a red flag if they have experienced sexual assault aimed at raising awareness, promote discussions, and subsequently changing attitudes as explained by the Information-motivational behavioural skills model of behaviour change) and its effect on rape-myth acceptance and behaviours toward sexual violence. Two-hundred and forty-six University students responded to a survey, measuring awareness and understanding of Red Flag Campaign, as well as attitudes and behaviours towards sexual violence. Results showed significantly lower rape-myth acceptance following the campaign (immediately and one-year post campaign) compared to pre-campaign. Engaging with, and understanding, the campaign significantly improved attitudes and behaviours towards sexual violence. Evaluation of findings outlined effects on sexual violence and best practise for campaigns. Refinements towards the Red Flag Campaign were discussed.