Lessons as a prevention intern: Eliminating sexual violence through school-based programs

Abstract

Sexual violence is so prevalent that every 73 seconds another person in America is sexually assaulted. Motivated by this statistic, I chose to complete my senior practicum at the Sexual Assault Resource Center, which provides advocacy and support services, including crisis intervention and counseling, for survivors of sexual violence. My goals for my time with SARC included developing knowledge and skills related to being a trauma therapist, learning about how a nonprofit operates, and gaining an understanding of sex education and sexual violence prevention programs. As a Sexual Assault Advocate and Education and Prevention Intern at SARC, my primary responsibilities involved providing direct advocacy services to survivors, delivering educational workshops, and presenting prevention curriculum in schools. As a result of my participation, I became interested in researching school-based prevention strategies and programs aimed at reducing sexual violence, as well as their focus areas, strengths, and limitations. My research and practicum experience reframed the way I viewed prevention work, provided insight into effective prevention strategies, and reminded me of why I believe so strongly in early prevention education to reduce sexual violence.