Exploring experiences of peer campus sexual violence educators through participatory photography

Abstract

This thesis explores the issue of campus sexual violence and whether peer campus sexual violence educators view and interpret their work as contributing to the overall shift from rape culture as it operates on campus towards an informed culture of consent. Furthermore, consideration of whether participants experiences support the idea of rape culture as informing sexual violence prevention strategies employed on campus. Using a participatory photography approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative at Saint Mary’s University (Halifax, NS). Based on the research and findings post-thematic analysis, it is concluded that the peer campus sexual violence educators in this study understand their work as having direct result on campus culture change, with acknowledgement of rape culture as informing practice.