The Sex Abuse Treatment Center and the Honolulu Theatre for Youth presented Respect is a Choice, a sexual violence prevention program for high school boys during the activity period on April 7. This was held in the Theatre classroom and attendance was strictly voluntary, attended by 13 male sophomores, juniors and seniors. The 25 minute play, written by ‘Iolani parent Yokanaan Kearns (Dr. John M. Kearns), was presented by HTY actors Alvin and Ryan and was followed by a 30 minute discussion facilitated by the actors. Although most males are not perpetrators of sexual assault, at some point in their lives they are exposed to the sexually offensive behavior of others. This might involve witnessing other males denigrating females through name-calling, body rating or other forms of sexual harassment or listening to others brag about their exploits. By vocalizing their disapproval of this kind of behavior or intervening to stop it when possible, male bystanders can help to prevent sexual violence.
The consensus of the students attending was that the message was very enlightening and meaningful, especially considering that many of those involved in sexual assault start offending in their teens. The purpose of the program is that it is critically important to educate teen males to help prevent sexual violence.
