Towards a transformative space for conversations about sexualised violence? Obstacles, strategies and precarious moments

Abstract

Drawing from an ethnographic evaluation of the American violence prevention program Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP), the present paper aims to explore 1) The participating girls’ views of classroom culture and sense of safety, and; 2) Strategies for and obstacles to creating a transformative space for conversations about sexualized violence in three schools with young people aged 12–18 in Sweden. The material analysed in this paper consists of transcripts from video observations and field notes from all sessions in three classes and from group and individual interviews with participants. The paper contributes to critical research on violence in a broad sense, including its prevention, and on anti-oppressive education. In conclusion, we stress the importance of competence, commitment and preparing for precarity, when involving young people. Addressing boys and men as allies in violence prevention must be balanced with a critical feminist understanding of the realities of violence, including sensitivity both to the needs of the group and of individual possibly victimized participants.