Sexual Violence in Young People: A Systematic Literature Review of Prevention Programmes
Résumé
Sexual violence prevention programmes for young people are essential. This systematic review aims to evaluate programmes whose purpose is to prevent perpetration, reduce the risk of victimisation and to implement a bystander approach to prevention. Forty-three studies were included; 8 of which focused on perpetration prevention, 16 on reducing the risk of victimisation, 10 on bystander interventions and 9 on mixed-gender interventions. Results indicate that perpetration prevention programmes were effective at increasing knowledge, changing attitudes and reducing perpetration in young men. Bystander interventions increased willingness and intentions to help, as well as actual bystander behaviours. However, programmes aiming to reduce women’s risk of victimisation were less successful; fewer than half of these studies found decreases in victimisation. Mixed-gender interventions also appear ineffective. A discussion on the cis- and hetero-normativity of prevention programmes, and the gendered approach towards perpetration and victimisation, is put forward. Avenues for future research are proposed, specifically the role of peer educators and online interventions.