Prevention 101

Prevention is possible! Addressing the root causes of sexual violence and challenging harmful social norms can keep our communities safe.

What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is an umbrella term that refers to any type of unwanted sexual contact. This can include words or actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent. Anyone can experience sexual violence, regardless of age, race, ability, sexual orientation, or gender. Individuals who commit sexual violence also come from all different backgrounds, and are most commonly acquaintances, family members, coworkers, and trusted individuals, and are sometimes strangers.

Sexual Assault Prevention Action Team of Kent County

Why Does Sexual Violence Happen?

There are many individual and societal factors that contribute to the perpetration of sexual violence. Contrary to popular belief, sexual violence is not a result of uncontrollable sexual desires, rather it is an act that draws on an individual’s sense of entitlement to another person and fulfills their need for power, control, and dominance over that person.

Societal norms have a large influence over the development of individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, and interactions with the world. Unfortunately, our culture encourages many harmful social norms that contribute to the perpetration of sexual violence. Norms that accept and condone violence, emphasize valuing and maintaining power over others, privacy and silence about violence, narrow definitions of masculinity vs femininity, and the sexualization of children and young people all contribute to the unparalleled frequency of sexual violence in comparison to other forms of violence.

Implications for Prevention

Primary prevention seeks to stop sexual violence before it occurs through addressing its root causes, such as harmful social norms and inequitable social structures. Rather than placing responsibility for preventing sexual violence on victims, it is important that primary prevention examine and address root causes of perpetration.

There are three main levels of prevention: Primary prevention, Secondary Prevention, and Tertiary Prevention. Through focusing on primary prevention, SAPAT can create the most effective and holistic change for Kent County.

Primary Prevention

How it works

Empowers the community to create and sustain change
Is successful when the community supports prevention initiatives and sexual violence does not occur.
The most successful and widest reaching form of prevention.

Examples of Primary Prevention

Public awareness raising and social norms change in the community
Educational programs for young people and youth serving individuals
Creation of policies that establish the framework & standards for preventing sexual violence

Prevention 101

How it works

Focuses on working with populations at risk of offending or being victimized.
Is successful when victimization does not occur/reoccur and perpetrators do not offend/reoffend.

Examples of Secondary Prevention

Behavioral change programs in detention centers
Risk reduction education
Safety planning with at risk individuals

Tertiary Prevention

How it works

Is implemented after violence occurs and focuses on restoring health and safety.
Is successful when victims are safe and perpetrators do not reoffend.

Examples of Tertiary Prevention

Providing services for victims of sexual violence
Training law enforcement on how to respond to victims of sexual violence
Finding and holding perpetrators accountable

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about sexual violence, primary prevention, and community partners, visit our Resources page.

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About SAPAT

The Sexual Assault Prevention Action Team educates, empowers, and creates positive change to eliminate sexual violence in Kent County.

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25 Sheldon Blvd SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Email: info@sapat.org

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