The Prevention Researcher, Volume 14, Number 2, 2007, Item# 142

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Sexual violence affects nearly 8% of our nation’s youth, whether in the form of child sexual abuse, date rape, or any other type of sexual victimization. The April 2007 issue of The Prevention Researcher examines the impact of sexual violence and victimization among today’s youth.

This issue begins with a look at the prevalence of sexual victimization among youth, challenging issues when studying this problem, risk factors, and common characteristics of perpetrators. Next, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model is used as a guiding framework to review key factors which put adolescent survivors of sexual abuse at risk for negative outcomes, as well as resources which might enhance positive outcomes and recovery.

Those teens who experience sexual violence will weigh many factors as they decide whether or not to disclose. In fact, disclosure should be seen more as a process than a single event. This issue explores strategies for creating an environment where sexual violence is not accepted and where youth feel safe disclosing. It also provides strategies for working with youth who haven’t yet disclosed.

Finally, while it is important to address the needs of youth who have been sexually victimized, it is of vital importance that we begin to develop comprehensive strategies for stopping sexual violence before it begins. This issue explores the use of educational sessions, community mobilization, social norms, social marketing, and policy work to prevent sexual violence.

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