Prevention Strategies

Sexual violence is a serious problem that can have lasting, harmful effects on victims and their family, friends, and communities. The goal for sexual violence prevention is simple-to stop it from happening in the first place. However, the solutions are just as complex as the problem.

Prevention efforts should ultimately reduce risk factors and promote protective factors for sexual violence. In addition, they should address all levels that influence sexual violence -the individual, relationship, community, and society.

 

Effective and Promising Programs

 

Little is known about what works to prevent sexual violence. The vast majority of sexual violence prevention programs have not been rigorously evaluated to determine their effectiveness. In the absence of proven prevention strategies, program planners can use the prevention principles to strengthen their approach.

Prevention Principles

• Nine Principles of Effective Prevention Programs*
• Applying the Principles of Prevention: What do Prevention Practitioners Need to Know About What Works*
  [PDF 195 KB]
• Nation M, Crusto C, Wandersman A, Kumpfer K, Seybolt D, Morrissey-Kane E, Davino K. What works in prevention: principles of effective prevention programs. American Psychologist. 2003;58(6/7):449-56.

 

Relevant Review Articles and Book Chapters

• Bachar K, Koss MP. From prevalence to prevention: Closing the gap between what we know about rape and what we do. In: Sourcebook on Violence Against Women. Renzetti C, Edleson J, Bergen RK, editors, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage;2001.
• Basile K. Implications of public health policy on sexual violence. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2003; 989:446-463.
• Lee D, Guy L, Perry B, Sniffen CK, & Mixson SA. Sexual violence prevention. The Prevention Researcher. 2007;14(2):15-20.
• McMahon P. The public health approach to the prevention of sexual violence. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment. 2000; 12:27-36.
• Morrison S, Hardison J, Mathew A, O'Neil J. An evidence-based review of sexual assault preventive intervention programs. Department of Justice. 2004. Available from: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/207262.pdf
  [PDF 2.5 MB]
• Schewe PA. Interventions to prevent sexual violence. In: Doll L, Bonzo S, Sleet D, Mercy J, Hass E, editors. Handbook of Injury and Violence Prevention. New York, NY: Springer; 2007. p.183-201.
• Wathen C N,, MacMillan H L. Interventions for violence against women: scientific review. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003;289:589-600.

 

World Report on Violence and Health*

[PDF 247 KB]
This report is the first comprehensive review of violence on a global scale. Chapter 6 provides detailed information on sexual, including prevention strategies.

 

Other Resources

 

CDC's Extramural Research Program

CDC funds universities, medical centers and other outside organizations to conduct research related to IPV prevention.

National Sexual Violence Prevention Resource Center*

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center identifies and disseminates information, resources, and research on all aspects of sexual violence prevention and intervention.

Preventing Violence Against Women: Program Activities Guide

This guide describes CDC's public health activities and research to prevent violence against women.

Preventing Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence in Racial/Ethnic Minority Communities: CDC's Demonstration Projects

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence (SV) are serious public health problems that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities. Recognizing the need for programs that address prevention in minority populations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded 10 demonstration projects in 2000 to develop, implement, and evaluate culturally competent IPV/SV prevention strategies targeted for specific racial/ethnic minority groups. Preventing Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence in Racial/Ethnic Minority Communities: CDC's Demonstration Projects summarizes the work of the funded projects. The purpose of the document is to describe the approaches projects developed and highlight challenges and lessons learned in the development, implementation, and evaluation of IPV/SV prevention programs for racial/ethnic minority populations