NCJ Number
217922
Journal
Journal of School Violence Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: 2006 Pages: 87-97
Date Published
2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper provides a review of the literature related to the effectiveness of sexual violence prevention programs.
Abstract
An appropriate prevention curriculum should provide information to participants so that they gain knowledge to prevent or at least reduce their risk of being sexually assaulted. This knowledge should be functional in that it influences their behaviors. A well-developed prevention curriculum should help participants perceive more accurately their own vulnerability to sexual assault. Effective prevention curriculums should offer more than one session. Prevention programs without scheduled reinforcement are less likely to be successful. Sexual violence prevention curriculums are plentiful, yet it appears that most have not been evaluated for effectiveness. There is a need to conduct formal evaluations of the programs being used. Ultimately, longitudinal studies would be effective evaluation approaches because they would track attitudes, knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors over time. In addition, retrospective studies on the effectiveness of earlier programs found to be effective are recommended. Over the past decade researchers have begun to explore the prevalence, incidence, short and long term effects, and prevention of sexual violence. The purpose of this paper was to provide a review of the literature related to the efficacy of sexual violence prevention programs. References