Thursdays in Black: Sexual Violence Prevention Seminar Series at UOA

Auckland's Department of Psychology is hosting a short Seminar Series on Sexual Violence Prevention Research in April:

The Department of Psychology is hosting two international Visiting Researchers this semester, who both specialize in sexual violence prevention research. Their seminars are open to the public. No registration is necessary, there is no cost, and all are welcome.

Venue: Room 604, Human Sciences Building, Symonds Street
Dates: 7 April (Moira Carmody) and 22 April (Charlene Senn)
Time: 4-5pm (with informal discussion until 5.30pm for those who can stay)

Tuesday 7 April, 4pm - Is there a role for ethics in sexual assault prevention education?

Associate Professor Moira Carmody, Social Justice & Social Change Research Centre, University of Western Sydney, Australia

Abstract
Moira will discuss findings from her latest book Sex and ethics: Young people and ethical sex which argues for an alternative approach to sexual assault prevention education based on Foucault's concepts of ethical subjectivity. This theoretical basis has informed the development of a 6 week sexual assault prevention education which has been piloted in NSW Australia and is about to be extended into other areas in Australia and New Zealand. The paper will consider the importance of working with young women and men of diverse sexualities in a way that is sex positive and provides them with a reflective and reflexive framework that can assist them in sexual decision making that balances pleasure and safety.

Bio
Associate Professor Moira Carmody is a researcher based at the Social Justice and Social Change Research Centre, University of Western Sydney, Australia. She has over 25 years experience working in the field of sexual assault prevention including work as a sexual assault counsellor, policy advisor to state and federal governments and as a researcher and educator on gender, sexuality, and violence prevention. She is a member of the Australian National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children and has recently completed another national research project on developing best practice standards for sexual assault prevention education.


Wednesday 22 April, 4pm - An imperfect feminist journey: Reflections on the process to develop an effective sexual assault resistance program for university women.

Professor Charlene Y Senn, Department of Psychology / Women’s Studies Program, University of Windsor, Canada

Abstract
I began the journey to develop an effective sexual assault resistance program for university women with several goals. I wanted to put feminist and social psychological theories into practice, to expand and reinforce young women’s knowledge and skills to better defend themselves against sexual coercion/assault, and in the process to facilitate broader social change. The demands and requirements of the research and academic process, my own standards, and the findings of the studies themselves have at times suggested that some of my feminist goals will not be met. In this talk I will briefly outline the research as it has been conducted and will identify several areas for discussion where feminist ideals may be at risk.

Bio
Charlene Y. Senn, PhD is a Professor of Psychology and Women’s Studies at the University of Windsor. Her research has focused on many different aspects of violence against women and girls including pornography, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. She is currently interested in the positive influence of sexuality education on girls and women and how educational programs might increase women’s ability to emotionally and physically fight off men’s attempts to sexually coerce or assault them. She was a recipient of the Ontario Women’s Health Council Career Award (2005-2008) and with the assistance of this funding formed the multidisciplinary Health Research Centre for the Study of Violence against Women at the University of Windsor. Charlene’s interest in issues of male violence against women and health are not merely academic. Prior to her graduate training, she worked front line in a women’s shelter and with other women to found a women’s health collective.

For further information, please contact:
Nicola Gavey, Department of Psychology, The University of Auckland, n dot gavey at auckland dot ac dot nz.

Many thanks to Leonie at the Auckland Women's Centre for emailing me about these.