How CONNSACS is Supporting Primary Prevention Efforts

CONNSACS’ mission is to end sexual violence, and the coalition is dedicated to effectively achieving this goal. Primary prevention efforts play a key role in this mission. In 2003, the Director of Prevention and Projects position was created to develop and manage prevention initiatives, policies, and objectives for the coalition. One of the first projects completed by the Director of Prevention and Projects was a compilation of key information regarding effective programs that consisted of true primary prevention activities. The results of that literature review have served to inform coalition activities.

Primary Prevention Community Education

Member centers funded to conduct community prevention education and outreach focus on eliminating or negating risk factors contributing to the development of perpetration behavior. These activities include efforts to change community norms that support perpetration, including addressing bystander behavior and parenting styles. Program activities may also focus on strengthening protective factors, helping develop those attitudes and beliefs that prevent individuals from becoming perpetrators. In addition, realizing that education needs to be supplemented with changes in the environment, programs may expand the focus to include social marketing and media campaigns, as well as participation in collaborative efforts.

Sexual Violence Prevention Advisory Committee

Between November 2003 and March 2004, CONNSACS convened a Sexual Violence Prevention Advisory Committee consisting of professionals from DCF (Department of Children and Families), Children’s Trust Fund, AHEC (Area Health Education Center), St. Francis Hospital Children’s Center, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and CONNSACS’ member centers. The committee’s purpose was to provide input for the development of a statewide sexual violence prevention action plan. Recommendations resulting from this collaborative effort included:

• data collection for monitoring purposes;
• identification, testing, and evaluation of “best practices” in direct interventions intended to reduce the risk of perpetration behaviors;
• media literacy activities;
• support for healthy parenting; and
• the development of community-based sexual violence prevention community action teams to identify risk factors for perpetration, increase protective factors, and support the prevention of perpetration of sexual offenses.

These recommendations, along with findings obtained through ongoing research, will be used to guide the refinement, enhancement, and expansion of effective primary prevention programs.