Participatory Action Research Methodology to Co-Create Cho!ces: An Interactive Game to Raise Awareness about Sexual Assault Bystander Intervention among Youth (Preprint)

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Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth sexual assault and sexual abuse are particularly troubling with implications for public health, mental health, educational outcomes, the need for criminal justice intervention, and the likelihood of revictimization or perpetration. Despite receiving increased attention, the problem continues to exist with no clear sign of diminishing. In this regard, serious games create spaces of simulated interactions where people can practice behaviors without exposing themselves to risk in a supportive learning environment. At the same time, bystander interventions can contribute to promoting positive social norms, promoting empowerment, and providing support to victims. OBJECTIVE The goal is to promote bystander intervention to safely identify, report, and deter sexual violence. METHODS A total of 10 youths (aged 16-22 with parental consent for minors) attended 10 sessions over the course of 6 months for the development of the game. Youth and community partners were responsible for creating the rules of the game, selecting a name, developing the board game, and completing preliminary testing with youth in the targeted community. RESULTS The participants completed a pre- and post-game test to give feedback on the game. The majority (91%) of the participants increased their knowledge of how to report sexual violence from the bystander perspective. All these increases were maintained at the 30-day follow-up review. Overall, participants perceived that Cho!ces’ instructions were easy to follow, agreed that the facilitator established rapport, and that Cho!ces encouraged people to talk more about how to intervene when witnessing a sexual violence incident CONCLUSIONS The pilot test results confirmed that players gained knowledge of sexual violence. The results indicated that the game generated a positive outcome and increased the likelihood of adoption of behaviors. Also, involving communities made the game more representative and inclusive and allowed for the development of lasting partnerships. Youth were asked about the 3 most important things they learned in this process. From their responses, the most recurrent learning topics included how to start a discussion about difficult topics, the importance of being open, and how to deliberate about sexual violence situations. They also learned about what it means to be a bystander. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable

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