The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71194

Rebeca Lee-Pethel, MPA, Tara Balsley, MPH, and Tiffanee Woodard. NCIPC/Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop K-60, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-1224, rxl8@cdc.gov

Sexual violence (SV) is a major public health problem. According to data from the National Violence Against Women Survey, an estimated 450,000 rapes occur annually and 22% of first rapes occur to girls under the age of 12. Sometimes even the best sexual SV programs do not reach individuals who are at risk, such as racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and persons who live in rural and inner city areas. To address this concern, the CDC developed a satellite broadcast and simultaneous webcast entitled "Sexual Violence Prevention: Building Leadership and Commitment to Underserved Communities”. As a first step in developing the focus for the broadcast, a group of expert consultants representing SV programs was convened. This advisory group identified issues relating to reaching underserved communities. A second advisory group reviewed program information and made recommendations. Conducting site visits to selected programs provided the opportunity to identify programmatic components utilizing a public health approach. The broadcast included a panel of discussants and showcased four community SV prevention programs. Panel members provided commentary on data, program development and implementation, and evaluation. The four programs demonstrated a community approach to prevention, and these specific program issues were addressed:

· A shift from individual to population-based strategies and raise awareness of disparities within racial/ethnic and minority groups. · Demonstrating key components of a public health approach within specific population-based strategies. · Raised awareness of efforts to reach populations who have limited access to rape prevention programs

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to
• implement training tools to address sexual violence prevention
• identify barriers and successes in developing distance learning curricula

Keywords: Sexual Assault, Violence Prevention

Related Web page: www.phppo.cdc.gov/phtn/svprev

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.