Chapter5 - Design cycle
Strategy
The strategy aims to provide an approach that is feasible and easy to remember. In addition, the strategy needs to apply to people from HC & LC cultures. Hence, the strategy is formed based on the insights in chapter 3. There are four steps in this strategy. The following content describes the intention of each step below: (Figure 5.14) 1. A - Awareness Thus, the first step is to be aware of the alarm ringing. The previous research reveals that the lack of awareness regarding bodily autonomy leads to the delayed recognition of being sexually harassed. It also keeps the feeling of self-blaming longer and causes a series of negative impacts on victims. Therefore, educating the awareness of body feeling reinforces the belief that they have the right to feel uncomfortable. 2. C - Check 80% of the perpetrator of sexual violence is not a stranger to the victim (De Haas, 2012). The research in chapter three shows that people tend not to accuse others before they ensure the truth, especially concerning sexual harassment. Therefore, encouraging the participant to check the intention of the harasser helps them to retrieve the active position back. Furthermore, the checking is a relatively neutral action. Whether the harasser intentionally tries to hurt them or misunderstands, people can be less afraid of “being aggressive” while the truth remains unclear.
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Chapter5 - Design cycle
5.5 Key takeaways 3. E - Express Woodzicka (Woodzicka & LaFrance, 2005) indicated that the uncomfortable smile for the men with a tendency to harass women sexually was more likely to rate as flirtatious or more desirable. Therefore, to express the discomfort is essential to further break the wrong impression to the victim. This action not just twists the power dynamic but also clarifies one’s boundary. Considering all kinds of communication styles, the researcher prepares the expression skills from indirect to straightforward. 4. S - Share The research insights in chapter 3 show that some victims are open to seeking help once there is an existing support resource they already know. Moreover, Rickwood’s research supports this idea (Rickwood et al., 2007). He indicated three essential factors for young people to ask for help: 1) have some knowledge about mental health issues and sources of help; 2) feel emotionally competent to express their feelings; and 3) have established and trusted relationships with potential help providers. Therefore, in this step, the research arranges to introduce the help resource in the Netherlands and design a “my support list” to list five supporters surrounding them.
1. The design outcome is an interactive workshop and plans to provide for new international students in the introduction week. 2. The workshop includes two primary sections - arouse them to be aware of bodily autonomy and know how to deal with sexual harassment. 3. The first section will proceed with a physical activity based on Proxemics theory, and the relevant educational information. 4. The second section will proceed with a film to reveal the subtle harassment situation and strategies in dealing with sexual harassment.
Figure 5.14 Four steps in ACES strategy
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