Alcohol, Masculinity & Rape
(From Men Can Stop Rape)


In a study of 119 college campuses, one in 20 women reported being raped in college since the beginning of the school year, and nearly three quarters of those rapes happened when victims were so intoxicated they were unable to consent or refuse. (Harvard School of Public Health Alcohol Study 2004).

Findings from a national study of young men reveal that traditional beliefs about manhood are associated with poor health behaviors, including drinking, drug use, and high-risk sexual activity.

Here are a few suggestions to consider:

Define your own manhood.
Consider whether the connection between manhood and alcohol plays a role in creating unhealthy behavior.

Understand the ability to consent. If a person is drunk or high and can't give consent, back off and wait until you both are ready to consent.

Talk it over. Communication in sexual situations requires minds unclouded by alcohol. Create space to speak honestly about sex. Listen to your partner, state your desires openly and ask your partner questions if a situation seems unclear.

Be a friend. At a party where there is alcohol, designate one of your friends to keep an eye on alcohol intake and whether any other guys might be acting in ways that could lead to sexual violence. 

If you would like more information on how to address alcohol problems there are numerous resources available. The official site of Alcoholics Anonymous provides extensive information on alcoholism as well as how to find AA meetings in your community. Check out the site.