Corinne Graffunder, DrPH, MPH National Center for Injury Prevention and Control October 2009 Laying the Foundation: The Strategic Vision for RPE

Presentation Overview Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Prevention Science The Economics of Prevention Community Prevention Efforts

RPE Mission and Vision Vision: A World free of sexual violence because society, communities, relationships and individuals support this goal. Mission: Creating social conditions, systems and environments to prevent sexual violence before it occurs by mobilizing partners, key constituents and communities; by educating adults, youth and children; and by training professionals.

Funded via VAWA since Legislatively “Permitted” Uses 2 Added Priorities (2006) National Sexual Violence Resource Center funding

Additional Priorities (2006) –Develop a comprehensive primary prevention plan –Implement evidence-based and culturally relevant primary prevention programming Community mobilization Policy and norms change Collaboration and coordination

RPE Evaluability Assessment RPE Models and Measures RPE New Co-op Underserved Co-op Practice Guidelines EMPOWER RPE Training & TA Plan Getting to Outcomes for IPV/SV RPE

The Problem: Child maltreatment affects health across the lifespan Preventing child maltreatment are strategic Child Development is about population health and adult health The potential benefits are very large “No epidemic has ever been resolved by paying attention to (only) the treatment of the affected individuals.”

The Evolution of Prevention Raising Awareness/Keep SV from Reportinghappening “Let 1,000 Flowers Bloom”More Systematic Approach Prevention on the “cheap”Requires $$, but cost effective Focus on outcomesFocus on causes, risk/protective factors

Prevention involves: Stopping the violence before it starts Recognizing that no one factor causes sexual violence Developing comprehensive programs that address multiple factors Re-weaving social fabric

The Evolution of Prevention Raising Awareness/Keep SV from Reportinghappening “Let 1,000 Flowers Bloom”More Systematic Approach Prevention on the “cheap”Requires $$, but cost effective Focus on outcomesFocus on causes, risk/protective factors

Testing What Works –Exploring Bullying Behavior and Sexual Violence Perpetration –Mentoring Strategies in Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence –Popular Opinion Leader (POL) Green Dot –KY –Bystander Intervention EXPECT RESPECT

The Evolution of Prevention Raising Awareness/Keep SV from Reportinghappening “Let 1,000 Flowers Bloom”More Systematic Approach Prevention on the “cheap”Requires $$, but cost effective Focus on outcomesFocus on causes, risk/protective factors

Principles of Effective Prevention Programs 1.Appropriately Timed 2.Comprehensive 3.Outcome Evaluation 4.Positive Relationships 5.Socio-culturally Relevant 6.Sufficient Dosage 7.Theory-based 8.Varied Teaching Methods 9.Well-trained Staff

Comprehensive Prevention Programming Leadership Community development Programs Partnership & collaboration Iterative process Sustainability Buy in from community Evidence-basedInfrastructure building

The Evolution of Prevention Raising Awareness/Keep SV from Reportinghappening “Let 1,000 Flowers Bloom”More Systematic Approach Prevention on the “cheap”Requires $$, but cost effective Focus on outcomesFocus on causes, risk/protective factors

High-Risk Versus Population Factors Associated with Sexual Violence Perpetration High-Risk Factors Prior perpetration Physiological arousal Adverse Childhood Experiences Lack social skills Familial dysfunction Social dislocation Population Factors Cultural norms/beliefs Systemic conditions that foster isolation, climate of denial, etc Media portrayals of women and children as sexual objects

The Science: Identifying Effective and Cost Efficient Prevention Strategies Establishing clear definitions and building systems to track child maltreatment and SSNRs Improving the effectiveness of home visitation programs Identifying core components & increasing participation in parenting programs Evaluating the effectiveness of population- based parenting programs Assessing the impact of strategies to prevent shaken baby syndrome Prevention Economics

Are you? Working in schools providing educational sessions? Working in schools to train teachers or staff? Working with schools or school boards to review policies and procedures? Working to expand the number of partners engaged in promoting school policies, procedures, or programs?

The Action: Strategic Partnerships and Diffusing What Works Because Kids Count! Child maltreatment partnership meeting Policies and procedures for preventing sexual abuse in child-serving organizations Collaborations to prevent child sexual abuse Framing and better communication Fostering Community Prevention Efforts

Population/Community Methods Social marketing techniques Policy Strategies Community engagement & political will Goals: change knowledge, attitudes, and behavior

Fostering community prevention efforts

Future Direction Implementing your Plan Leadership Organizational Support Competency

In order to build a society that abhors violence we have to be able to imagine it. We have to dare to dream what our stories will be in a world that honors all human feeling….but that dishonors their expression in ways that violate the other. Sandra Campbell. “Creating Redemptive Imagery: A Challenge of Resistance and Creativity.” Transforming a Rape Culture.

For More Information Visit CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control web site: The findings and conclusions of this presentation have not been formally disseminated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy.