NCJ Number
191950
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 16 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 575-588
Date Published
October 2001
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examines 87 programs designed to prevent child sexual abuse.
Abstract
In the past, child sexual abuse prevention programs have been examined for changes in children's knowledge, attitude, and skills about preventing sexual abuse. Although prevention programs may incorporate a variety of methods, including parent education and community awareness efforts, little is known about how prevention programs actually function in their community contexts. This exploratory study reports data from 87 programs as provided by program leaders and advocates. The study considers the following variables: funding, types of materials and approaches used, barriers encountered, length of program existence, demographics of target populations, and demographics of those spearheading local prevention programs. Program continuance is affected by factors such as adequate and secure funding, community level of denial, competing agendas, and community collaboration. The study also documents that programs are responding to challenges in the literature to improve prevention program components, although one-time programs for children are still the norm. Tables, references