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School-based programs to prevent child sexual abuse

Health Factors: Education
Decision Makers: Government - Local, Government - State, Schools
Evidence Rating: Some Evidence
Population Reach: 10-19% of WI's population
Impact on Disparities: No impact on disparities likely

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Description

School-based programs to prevent child sexual abuse are designed to improve children's knowledge about sexual abuse and self-protective measures. Such interventions aim to raise awareness about abuse and increase disclosure by victims about sexual abuse.

Expected Beneficial Outcomes

Decreased sexual violence against children
Increased knowledge about sexual violence
Increased reporting of sexual violence

Evidence of Effectiveness

Cochrane-Zwi 2007 reports mixed results. Several reviewed studies report improvements in knowledge and protective behaviors. However, other studies indicate that some children had increased anxiety as a result of participating in these interventions. This review suggests that these findings indicate a need to monitor and further evaluate the impact of school-based interventions to prevent child sexual abuse. Further investigation into the long-term program efficacy as well as the optimal age for these programs is also recommended. Healthevidence.ca rates the quality of this study as a 10 (of 10).

Citations - Evidence

Cochrane-Zwi 2007* - Zwi K, Woolfenden S, Wheeler DM, et al. School-based education programmes for the prevention of child sexual abuse. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2007;(3):CD004380. Accessed on June 19, 2012
Webpage: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD004380/frame.html

* Journal subscription may be required for access.

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Health Factors

Health Behaviors
Tobacco Use
Diet & Exercise
Alcohol Use
Sexual Activity
 Clinical Care
Access to Care
Quality of Care
 Social & Economic Factors
Education
Employment
Income
Family & Social Support
Community Safety
 Physical Environment
Environmental Quality
Built Environment

Decision Makers

Businesses & Employers
Community Organizations
Government - Local
Government - State
Government - Federal
Healthcare Organizations
Individuals
Schools

Evidence Rating

Level of effectiveness based on a scan of academic literature and key recommendations of leading organizations.

  • Scientifically Supported Numerous studies or systematic review(s) with positive results
  • Some Evidence Research suggests positive impacts; further study may be warranted
  • Expert Opinion Recommended by credible groups*; research evidence limited
  • Insufficient Evidence Evidence limited or unavailable; further study warranted
  • Mixed Evidence Evidence mixed; further study warranted
  • Evidence of Ineffectiveness Research consistently shows program is detrimental or has no effect

Although many policies and programs are recommended by credible groups, we apply the rating ‘expert opinion’ only when policies are recommended but limited scientific evidence of effectiveness is available.

* The American Heritage Dictionary defines credible as 'capable of being believed; plausible.' and 'worthy of confidence; reliable.' To be considered an 'expert recommendation,' policies and programs must be recommended by one or more organizations that are recognized for their impartial expertise in the area of interest and have limited evidence available.

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

<1%   20-49%
1-9%   50-99%
10-19%   100%

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

<1%   20-49%
1-9%   50-99%
10-19%   100%

Potential Impact on Health Disparities

Likely impact of a given policy or program on racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic or other disparities in Wisconsin based on its characteristics (e.g., target audience, mode of delivery, etc.) and best available evidence related to disparities.

  • Likely to decrease disparities
  • No impact on disparities likely
  • Likely to increase disparities