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Rieger A, Zhan Q, Griffin B, Garthe RC, Allen NE. Perils and Possibilities: Sexual Violence Preventionists' Perspectives on Gathering Community Input on Prevention Practice. Violence Against Women 2025; 31:1976-1999. [PMID: 38679751 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241248454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
There is relatively little research unpacking provider processes or tensions (e.g., leadership decision-making) when attempting to gather and incorporate community feedback into gender-based violence work. Across focus groups with 18 sexual violence preventionists, we explored experiences collecting information and perspectives from or with community members; barriers, and facilitators; and how they navigate possibilities of community-informed sexual violence prevention. We learned that preventionists want to gather input, and they gather it in nonsystematic ways; they face barriers familiar to many community-informed processes; and the topic of sexual violence complicates community-informed processes. Determining boundaries of possibility is central to navigating practice. Further, organizational settings are influential in determining boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Rieger
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Qihao Zhan
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Breanna Griffin
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Rachel C Garthe
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Nicole E Allen
- Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Wheeler LA, Edwards KM, Omondi B, Kaeke B, Ndirangu M, Sinclair J, Langat N. Empowerment Transformation Training Reduces Rape Among Girls and Young Women in South Sudan and the Kakuma Refugee Camp. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:820-827. [PMID: 38085205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rape occurs at high rates in South Sudan and Kakuma refugee camps, a region characterized by armed conflict, gender inequity, and economic crisis. To date, we know little about how to prevent rape in this region of the world. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine outcomes of Empowerment Transformation Training (ETT) (an adapted empowerment self-defense program; empowerment self-defense) among female participants in South Sudan and the Kakuma refugee camp. METHODS Schools were assigned to the treatment (ETT) condition (n = 7) or control (life skills) condition (n = 9) and used as the unit of analysis given the cluster-randomized design. Female participants anonymously completed a baseline (T1) and 12-month follow-up (T2) paper and pencil survey. RESULTS Annual rape victimization rates decreased from 10.7% to 5.5% in the ETT schools (risk ratio [RR] = 0.51); there was no change in the control schools (10.0%-9.0%). Empowerment Transformation Training (ETT) schools had increased confidence at T2 (T1: 42.4%; T2: 75.4%; RR = 1.79) and greater rates of confidence at T2 compared to control schools (54.3%; RR = 1.39). Knowledge of effective self-defense strategies (T2) was greater for ETT schools (47.4%) compared to control schools (30.1%) (RR = 1.57). DISCUSSION The ETT program reduced rates of rape, increased confidence, disclosures of rape (among victims), and knowledge of effective self-defense strategies. Empowerment self-defense programs are a critical component to rape prevention across global communities, including those characterized by armed conflict, gender inequity, and economic crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorey A Wheeler
- Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families & Schools, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska.
| | - Katie M Edwards
- Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families & Schools, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Abreu RL, Skidmore SJ, Badio KS, Lefevor GT, Gattamorta KA, Watson RJ. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, violence, self-esteem, and the role of LGBTQ-specific parental support in a sample of Latinx sexual and gender minority youth. J Adolesc 2024; 96:443-456. [PMID: 37381609 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oftentimes as result of racism, cissexism, and heterosexism, many Latinx and sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence. These experiences of victimization are in part related to increased negative mental health outcomes such as decreased self-esteem. Some research links LGBTQ-specific parental support to mental health outcomes among Latinx SGM youth, yet, no research has explored the role of LGBTQ-specific parental support with self-esteem among Latinx SGM youth. METHODS In a sample of 1,012 Latinx SGM youth (ages 13-17), we assessed: (a) associations between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence and self-esteem, (b) association between LGBTQ-specific parental support and self-esteem, and (c) whether LGBTQ-specific parental support moderated the relation between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence and self-esteem. Main effect and moderation analyses examined interactions between LGBTQ-specific parental support with sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence on self-esteem. RESULTS Latinx SGM youth experienced low levels of LGBTQ-specific parental support and various degrees of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence. Also, transgender and nonbinary/genderqueer Latinx youth experienced lower self-esteem than their Latinx cisgender counterparts. Increased LGBTQ-specific parental support was related to increased self-esteem. We also identified a significant interaction between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence and LGBTQ-specific parental support, such that parental support was more protective at low levels rather than high levels of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence among Latinx SGM youth. CONCLUSIONS Findings add to a growing body of research about the importance of LGBTQ-specific parental support for Latinx SGM youth, and the need to examine culturally appropriate approaches to understand parent-child relationship among these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto L Abreu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Koree S Badio
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - G Tyler Lefevor
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Karina A Gattamorta
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Follo G. The Importance of Reflexivity in Program Development: A Case Study Involving Teaching Self-Defense to Middle School Girls in PE Class. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:275-296. [PMID: 37801607 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231205590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
This research used a self-defense program to explore how middle school girls could change their perspectives on the gendered roles of victim and protector within an empowered self-defense approach. Taking the dual role of researcher and self-defense instructor, I developed a program to influence changing information strips directed toward gender norms, behavior, and discourse. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilized due to its intersection of the researcher's experience, literature, and theory. The research consisted of 40 girls journaling and 23 girls completing a post-program survey. Findings suggested that reflexive body techniques through self-defense could potentially impact internalized gendered information strips.
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Edwards KM, Omondi B, Wambui RA, Darragh-Ford E, Apollo R, Devisheim HH, Langat N, Kaede B, Ntinyari W, Keller J. In Their Own Words: Sexual Assault Resistance Strategies Among Kenyan Adolescent Girls Following Participation in an Empowerment Self-Defense Program. Violence Against Women 2023:10778012231153360. [PMID: 36710565 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231153360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine, via testimonial data, resistance strategies used to thwart a sexual assault among slum-dwelling Kenyan adolescent girls (N = 678) following their participation in an empowerment self-defense program (IMpower). The majority (58.2%) of perpetrators were strangers; there were no differences in resistance strategies used between strangers versus known perpetrators (83.8% used verbal strategies, 33.2% used resistance strategies, 16.7% ran away, and 7.9% used distraction). Associations between resistance strategies and perpetrator tactics, number of assailants, location of the assault, and the presence of a bystander were also examined.
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Edwards KM, Herrington R, Charge LL, Charge DL, Hopfauf S, Camp EE, Simon B, Waterman EA, Banyard VL. Engaging Native American Youth and Their Caregivers in Sexual Violence Research: A Case Study Documenting Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons Learned. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP22273-NP22299. [PMID: 35249402 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211072158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Native Americans (the preferred term of our partners/co-authors) experience high rates of sexual violence, which is rooted in colonization and multiple historical traumas. Sexual violence leads to numerous deleterious outcomes, underscoring the critical need for prevention early in life. Yet, most research to date on sexual violence has not focused on Native American populations, and we know little about the most effective strategies to recruit and retain Native American individuals in sexual violence prevention research. The purpose of the current study, grounded in principles of participatory action research, is to describe strategies that were used to recruit (e.g., traditional feeds, door knocking) and retain (e.g., monetary incentives, ongoing community engagement) Native American youth for a study that sought to assess, via surveys and qualitative interviews, the impacts of a youth-led sexual violence prevention initiative in a small city in the Great Plains. We also collected qualitative data from Native American caregivers regarding their perceptions of research. Overall, 67.9% (n = 545) of eligible Native American youth completed the survey, and school and door knocking were most effective methods of recruitment/enrollment followed by community and school events and texting. Over the course of 3 years of data collection, there were higher rates of attrition among Native American youth compared to white youth, and several factors (e.g., older age, sexual assault victimization) predicted attrition among Native American youth. Native American caregivers' responses reflected on reasons it is hard to engage youth and caregivers in research (e.g., lack of time, distrust) as well as strategies to enhance engagement (e.g., personal connection, providing community resources). Throughout the paper, Native American co-authors and project partners reflect on these findings. Implications for future sexual violence prevention research with Native American youth and their caregivers that uses decolonized, participatory action research methodologies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Emily E Camp
- University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Briana Simon
- University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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