Using Theater of the Oppressed to Prevent Sexual Violence on College Campuses

• Published in: Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Vol. 14; no. 4; pp. 282 - 294
• Main Author: Christensen, M. Candace
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA Sage Publications, Inc 01.10.2013; SAGE Publications; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: College campuses; College Students; Colleges; Crime prevention; Humans; Intervention; Prevention; Psychodrama - methods; Psychology, Educational - methods; Sex crimes; Sex Offenses - prevention & control; Sexual Assault; Social Change; Students - psychology; Theater; Theater Arts; Universities; Values; college campus prevention education; theater of the oppressed; sexual assault prevention; sexual violence against women
• ISSN: 1524-8380; 1552-8324
• DOI: 10.1177/1524838013495983

Using theater of the oppressed as a practice method in sexual assault prevention interventions with college students is gaining in popularity. Theater of the oppressed interventions aims to change values and norms that perpetuate the acceptability of sexual assault and teach college students how to intervene in situations where sexual violence may occur. In this review, the author reviews the literature on using theater for social change as a prevention intervention. The aim of the article is to provide a synthesis of empirical studies investigating the effects and impact of using theater for social change in prevention education. Based upon this synthesis, implications for practice, policy, and research are provided.