In New Zealand, it is estimated that 1 in 4 females and 1 in 8 males are likely to experience sexual violence or abuse in their lifetimes. Offenders are most often known to the victim, and the events leading up to the assault are often witnessed by others. S*xual violence can often be prevented if someone does something…however small. The ‘Who Are You’ campaign focuses on what each and every one o
f us can do to stop a possible sexual assault from happening. Being an ethical bystander is all about doing little things, long before we get to the point of harm. S*xual violence can have an enormous impact on people’s lives – not just the victims, but their families, partners and friends. It offers ideas about actions we can all take which will help keep everyone safe. The theme of this campaign and short film was informed by Professor Moira Carmody’s (University of Western Sydney, Australia) research and the resulting S*x & Ethics: The sexual ethics education program for young people (2009) Palgrave Macmillan, Melbourne, which focuses on sexual violence prevention using ethical decision making strategies and the concept of bystander intervention.
