The devastating impact of sexual violence on lives and communities should not be underestimated. In a context where one in three women worldwide experience physical and/or sexual violence by a partner in their lifetimes, this study investigates the prevalence of sexual violence perpetration by men, as well as the risk and protective factors that reveal important insights for prevention and mitigation. Datasets from five countries in the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) - Chile, Croatia, India, Mexico and Rwanda were analysed for their association with the perpetration of sexual violence.

IMAGES respondents’ reported high rates of perpetrating sexual violence from 4-25 per cent (in line with recent international studies), however a lack of disclosure by many men should be taken into account. Research analysis shows that sexual violence evolves from a set of attitudes that promote sexual entitlement of men over women. Issues of power, gender norms, and sexism in society need to be tackled including in settings where these mindsets thrive, for example: sports teams, male social spaces in academic institutions, workplaces, military institutions, religious institutions.

Possibilities of engaging nonviolent men in order to transform the norms and behaviours that shape the violence of others need to be explored. Alcohol use is also highlighted as a harmful contributor to the social predictors of sexual violence. Engaging children and adolescents in setting a ‘non-violent life course’ is critical for prevention of sexual violence. School based programmes on violence reduction and health policies engaging men as fathers and caregivers provide important spaces for developing healthier and nonviolent lifestyles.