Executive summary: A meta-analysis of sexual violence prevention programs finds that most focus on changing ideas rather than behaviors, and while they have a moderate overall effect, they do not significantly reduce perpetration or victimization.
Key points:
The meta-analysis covered 298 studies from 1986-2018, focusing on primary prevention efforts.
Most interventions try to change ideas about sexual violence, following a “Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice” model.
The overall effect size was moderate (∆ = 0.28), but much larger for changing ideas (∆ = 0.366) than behaviors (∆ = 0.071).
Effects on perpetration (∆ = 0.033) and victimization (∆ = 0.046) were small and non-significant. Bystander interventions also had little impact on these outcomes.
Changing ideas did not predict behavior change, suggesting the need for different approaches.
The authors recommend testing more environmental and structural interventions, and note some promising non-primary prevention efforts (e.g. cash transfers, decriminalizing sex work).
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Executive summary: A meta-analysis of sexual violence prevention programs finds that most focus on changing ideas rather than behaviors, and while they have a moderate overall effect, they do not significantly reduce perpetration or victimization.
Key points:
The meta-analysis covered 298 studies from 1986-2018, focusing on primary prevention efforts.
Most interventions try to change ideas about sexual violence, following a “Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice” model.
The overall effect size was moderate (∆ = 0.28), but much larger for changing ideas (∆ = 0.366) than behaviors (∆ = 0.071).
Effects on perpetration (∆ = 0.033) and victimization (∆ = 0.046) were small and non-significant. Bystander interventions also had little impact on these outcomes.
Changing ideas did not predict behavior change, suggesting the need for different approaches.
The authors recommend testing more environmental and structural interventions, and note some promising non-primary prevention efforts (e.g. cash transfers, decriminalizing sex work).
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.