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Reviewed: May 11th, 2011
Prevention Concepts
Introduction to Prevention
Prevention is one integral part of the anti-sexual violence movement. The understanding that sexual violence is preventable is rooted in the framework that this violence occurs within a continuum of events that support a rape culture. Feminist theory and public health models have given us tools to understand social contexts and create comprehensive strategies to end sexual violence. The goal is to reduce the impact of sexual violence upon individuals, our communities, and in society.
Public health classifies prevention efforts into three levels:
- Primary prevention approaches aim to stop sexual violence before it occurs; preventing initial victimization and perpetration.
- Secondary prevention approaches are immediate responses to sexual violence to deal with short-term consequences.
- Tertiary prevention approaches are long-term responses to sexual violence to deal with last consequences.
While it is important to work across the levels of prevention, historically prevention has occurred at the secondary and tertiary levels therefore currently there is much emphasis on primary prevention. Primary prevention efforts address the root causes of sexual violence. In line with public health, this approach shifts the responsibility of prevention to society and off of victims.
In Washington State, our prevention efforts are largely focused on primary prevention strategies. Our state goal is to change norms, values, beliefs and attitudes that cause sexual violence and shift ownership of the solutions to the community.
Related Content
- Sexual Violence Prevention (shared with permission from the Prevention Researcher)