NCJ Number
215385
Date Published
2006
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This explores the conditions that create environments in which sexual violence occurs and presents the Spectrum of Prevention, a tool for effectively developing a comprehensive prevention strategy.
Abstract
Six levels of activities under the Spectrum of Prevention in the prevention of sexual violence include: strengthening individual knowledge and skills, promoting community education, educating providers, fostering coalitions and networks, changing organizational practices, and influencing policies and legislation. It is essential that a sexual violence prevention strategy address norms because of their power in influencing behavior. If norms discourage safe behavior or do not support healthy, equitable, and safe relationships, then programs focused on individual change will not prevent sexual violence unless related norms are changed as well. Norm change is best accomplished through a community approach. By developing interventions along the Spectrum of Prevention, communities can foster a more comprehensive sexual violence prevention strategy for a community solution. The Spectrum of Prevention is a tool for comprehensive action and norms change developed by Larry Cohen. It is intended to assist advocates and practitioners in developing comprehensive sexual violence prevention initiatives. It focuses not just on individuals but on changing the environment, including systems and norms. By working on all six levels of intervention, communities can design an overall strategy that results in a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. References