Social-Ecological model– The ecological model is designed to take into account various theories of behavior and, in this case, the multitude of factors that contribute to sexual violence. The ecological model used by the CDC for sexual violence prevention combines biological, psychological, cultural, and feminist models of the causes of sexual violence. It includes four levels; individual, relationship, cultural, and societal.
Our approach is designed to stop sexual violence before it occurs by engaging in strategic, long-term, comprehensive initiatives that address the risk and protective factors related to perpetration, victimization, and bystander behaviors”. Our program focuses not only on individuals but also on the community and societal factors that increase the risk for sexual assault and uses initiatives that focus on the good of the whole rather than on individuals.
HOW WE DO IT
Community Mobilization and partnership– Community mobilization focuses on giving ownership of the issue and its solutions to the community. Sexual violence prevention becomes the community’s responsibility as a whole and not just of advocates and other staff of rape crisis centers. We partner with men and women in our community to learn, discuss, and plan how we can all end sexual violence. We attend and organize the events and provide resources for the groups to reach people in masses and tackle the root causes of sexual violence.
Some of the risk factors discussed include;
- Individual factors- Drug/Alcohol Use, Hostility Toward Women, and Acceptance of Sexual Violence.
- Relationship level – Sexually Aggressive Peers/partners, Physically Violent Family Life, and Emotionally Unsupportive Family.
- Community- General Tolerance of Sexual Assault, Lack of Enforcement of Policies, Lack of Employment Opportunities
- Societal level- Inequalities/Oppression, Norms about Masculinity & Violence, Norms about Entitlement to Sex
