Sexual Abuse/Assault Prevention Fact Sheet

What is Prevention?
Prevention refers to efforts intended to prevent and avoid the occurrence of an unhealthy, dangerous, illegal or problematic behavior.

What are the goals of prevention?
Prevention seeks to promote community and individual health, safety, and well being by helping to develop the necessary attitudes, knowledge, skills, and resources. For example, we know that one factor contributing to sexual offending is attitudes toward sexuality, women and aggression. We also know that public health campaigns have been very successful at changing attitudes (e.g., tobacco use, drinking and driving) and the related behaviors.

Who does prevention target?
Prevention occurs at several levels, each targeting different populations and issues.

Primary prevention initiatives typically address the public in general, or a particular segment of the population (e.g., parents, teens). Examples related to sexual assault might include sex education programs in high school health classes, college programs to reduce dating violence and assault, and programs designed to teach parents how to better protect their children.
Secondary prevention focuses on individuals and groups who may be at risk to engage in the target behavior. For example, a school-based skills training classes could be offered to adolescent males who have behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner with peers. Or children from sexually abusive homes (a risk factor) may be helped to develop healthy attitudes toward sexuality and aggression.
Tertiary prevention focuses on those who have already committed the target behavior (e.g., sexual offenders) to reduce the likelihood of the behavior happening again. Thus, sex offenders receive quality treatment and supervision that dramatically reduces the likelihood of future sexual offenses. Similarly, victims of sexual assault can be helped to recover from trauma while avoiding future victimization.

How can we promote the prevention of sexual abuse/assault?

Advocate with lawmakers and policy makers for increased prevention funding for interventions as well as research in your jurisdiction and on a national level.
Donate to community agencies such as rape crisis centers, victims’ counseling services, or educational awareness programs that are working to further prevention goals.
Encourage, support, and participate in interagency collaborations (e.g., victim and offender treatment) that strengthen the community’s response to this problem.
Integrate preventive interventions into your work such as sexual harassment workshops.