Sexual Violence and Prevention

"My personal opinion is that some violence may be prevented by the way we dress. Dressing provocatively may fuel the desire of sexual interest more so then dressing conservatively."

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 sexual violence 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 prevention strategies are necessary to promote awareness about sexual violence and to foster the commitment to social change.

This section provides links to resources and organizations that address risk and protective factors for sexual violence through prevention and education activities. The strategies recommended by these organizations may or may not have empirical evidence supporting their effectiveness, but are provided for informational purposes. 

General Sexual Violence Prevention

These resources provide an overview of sexual violence and how to prevent it.

A Vision to End Sexual Violence

World Report on Violence and Health 

A Place to Start: A Resource Guide for Preventing Sexual Violence

Working with Men and Boys

Sexual violence is not a women’s issue but a societal issue, and men are also key partners in preventing it.

Working with Men and Boys to Prevent Gender-based Violence

Men Can Stop Rape

The Family Violence Prevention Fund: Coaching Boys Into Men

Jackson Katz (men’s violence prevention strategies)

Men Stopping Violence  

Promoting Mentoring and Leadership Programs for Youth 

Youth need the capacity to engage in nonviolent, respectful relationships and to become peer leaders.

Toward a Blueprint for Youth: Making Positive Youth Development a National Priority

Reconnecting Youth and Community: A Youth Development Approach

Mentors in Violence Prevention

Youth Alive!

Working with Parents 

Parents have a critical role in modeling positive behaviors for their children.

A Parent’s Handbook: How to Talk to Your Children About Developing Healthy Relationships

Understanding Child Development as a Violence Prevention Tool

Helping Your Children Navigate Their Teenage