Prevention: Steps You Can Take

5 Proven Ways To Prevent Sexual Violence

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends five evidence-based strategies to prevent sexual violence, according to its Sexual Violence Prevention Resource for Action:

#1: Change what’s “normal.”

• Speak up when you witness jokes or behaviors that excuse sexual violence or misconduct. 
• Teach young people how to step in safely. 
• Encourage men and boys to be allies who hold their peers accountable.

#2: Teach healthy relationship skills.

• Help teens learn what safe, respectful dating looks like. 
• Support sex education that covers consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships.

#3: Support and empower girls and women.

• Back policies that give women more financial security, like equal pay, affordable child care, and paid leave. 
• Give teen girls chances to build leadership skills and confidence.

#4: Make spaces safer.

• Push schools to improve safety on campuses. 
• Ask workplaces to adopt clear policies against sexual harassment and violence. 
• Support community rules that reduce excessive drinking and substance use.

#5: Support survivors.

• Make sure survivors can get medical care, legal help, and counseling. 
• Provide support for at-risk children and families so harm doesn’t continue.