Prevention Matters
........" No epidemic has ever been resolved by paying attention to the treatment of the affected individual" .....
Dr. George Albee
Former president of the American Psychological Association.
The 15 rape crisis centers that formed the Alabama Coalition Against Rape provide tremendously vital services to victims and families dealing with sexual violence of many forms. But - perhaps the greatest service to these victims is the extraordinary efforts made to prevent sexual violence from occurring at all. With the help of the CDC and the Alabama Department of Public Health, prevention educators and rape crisis center staff are increasing their focus on primary prevention of sexual violence.
Why is primary prevention important?
Where can I learn more about primary prevention of sexual violence?
Primary Prevention is different from secondary prevention, which is done by offering critical services to victims like medical exams, counseling, shelter and so much more. Primary prevention is about creating EQUALITY. It's about changing attitudes AND behaviors of everyone. It's about preventing sexual violence BEFORE it happens.
Primary prevention efforts focus on addressing social norms.
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Racism
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Sexism
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Oppression
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Homophobia
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The influence of violence in the media
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The silence and neglect of emotional, physical and sexual violence
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Extremely patriarchal views, beliefs and attitudes
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Attitudes of male dominance and traditional gender roles
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Definitions of masculinity and femininity
Why is primary prevention important?
Until we, as individuals, couples, families, schools, organizations, communities, and society begin to address these social norms, we cannot fight the causes of sexual violence and end violence in our society.
Primary prevention is about individual, relationship, community and societal change. It is offering support and encouragement to victims of sexual violence by not allowing others to be treated the same way. It is a huge undertaking, but there are many individuals, groups and agencies willing to take on this challenge.
We know that primary prevention works. Efforts to change social norms have succeeded in areas like
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Child Restraint and Safety Belt Use
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Smoking Prevention
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Childhood Immunizations
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Bicycle and Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Help us in this fight to end sexual violence BEFORE it happens! You don't have to fight alone-primary prevention is a community, societal effort to ensure safety and respect for everyone.
Prevention educators can provide primary prevention & educational presentations and sessions on a variety of topics, including but not limited to the following:
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Developing healthy relationships
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Drug-facilitated rape
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Bystander intervention
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Respect
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Sexual Harassment
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Gender roles
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Consent v. coercion
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Bullying
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Violence in the Media
Contact a prevention educator near you to schedule an educational seminar today!