Education Authority Y Box Doc

At another level, we wanted to understand whether boys and young men actually benefitted from this work. Taking date from 56 participants, with an average age of 14, we explored two key outcomes: 1. Reduction in exposure to violence 2. Reduction in adherence to traditional masculine norms In relation to the first, we found statistically significant reductions in direct involvement in violence, as well as reductions in victimisation. This is important given that 87.5% of participants indicated that violence was a part of their everyday lives. This is illustrated further in qualitative reductions in how likely the participants perceived the likelihood of violence occurring in the next four weeks:

This is important because the characteristics of this sample illustrates that they are likely to be at elevated risk of violence and victimisation: The impact extended, however, beyond these objective effects. Young men indicated that the very process of taking part in Y-Box offered them opportunities to talk about issues that affect them in everyday life, in ways that they don’t always have the space to do. This safe space to critically reflect on their lives, what it means to be male, and whether the expectations on them are helpful or harmful, all contribute towards a healthier way of understanding and responding to daily stressors.

I don’t usually get an opportunity to talk about being a young male

87.5%

It is useful to talk about being a young man

75%

It was useful to involve friends in those conversations The youth worker was an important element of the process Had been beaten up, mugged or seriously threatened

100% 100%

43%

Pre Post

58.5

53

42.9

42.6

15.3

12.5

4.4

Been beaten up (last four weeks)

Get into a fight (next four weeks)

Use weapon (next four weeks)

Hurt someone (next four weeks)

In relation to the second, we observed statistically significant improvements in gender equitable norms and reductions in potentially harmful masculine attitudes and beliefs.

Not in education, training or employment

10% 26% 88% 43% 43%

Previous contact with police Live in paramilitary active area

Paramilitary threat

Had been beaten up, mugged or seriously threatened

28

29